Abu Dhabi strengthens ties with China

THE recent visit of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to China was aimed towards strengthening economic, political and military ties between the two countries. The visit also aimed at realising the goals of creating new trade frontiers and diversification of the Emirate's economic resources as stipulated by "Plan Abu Dhabi 2030". In his talks with President Hu Jintao of the People&339;s Republic of China, HH Sheikh Mohammed said he valued the strong ties between the two countries, which are based on mutual respect and interests, calling for their enhancement so as to be on par with the aspirations of both leaderships and peoples. President Hu Jintao said that this visit would improve the cooperation between the two countries in different fields. The visit program included the ratification of a number of contracts in the economic, oil, petrochemical industries, military, renewable energy, tourism and cultural fields. China is the UAE's second largest trade partner and the first market for Chinese products amongst the Arab countries. Trade between the two countries reached $28 billion in 2008, up 40.5% from 2007.Adidas Adilette Slides