Mohamed bin Zayed concludes visit to China

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, concluded a three-day state visit to the People's Republic of China following a tour of a number of major economic, financial and industrial corporations in Shanghai city.

Before his departure, Sheikh Mohamed visited the Shanghai Stock Exchange where he was briefed by its officials on the evolution of the market which dated back to 1891 during the boom in mining shares. The first stock exchange in China was rebuilt and re-opened in 1990. Sheikh Mohamed watched the stock market screeners and other e-trading systems and then headed to the market museum where he was informed about the history of the market, its progress and the number and type of listed companies.

On the visitor honour record, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi wrote, 'I am pleased to visit the Shanghai Stock Exchange, one of the financial and economic powerhouses of China and get information about its history, trading activities as well as its vital role in supporting the Chinese economy and enhancing its place in the global economic landscape.' Sheikh Mohamed then proceeded to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (Comac), a Chinese state-owned aerospace manufacturer established in 2008 in Shanghai, where company officials informed him that the government-owned corporation is a designer and constructor of large passenger aircraft capacities of over 150 passengers.

They said that the C919 was the first 158 passenger jet made by the company in November 2015, which was planned for release in 2016.

Other facilities visited by Sheikh Mohamed included the advanced electronics and technology laboratory, flight simulators, and aircraft cabinet. He also watched a documentary on designing, development, production and assembly of aircrafts.

Later, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi met Yang Xiong, the Mayor of Shanghai, to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral ties of friendship and co-operation for serving mutual interests. The two sides also exchanged ideas that could boost joint economic and investment co-operation with the aim of establishing economic and developmental partnerships that benefit the two countries.

Sheikh Mohamed expressed his delight at visiting Shanghai city as part of his official visit to China, and praised the great achievements it has made in areas of development and modernisation. He also thanked the mayor for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the depth and growing historic ties of friendship between the UAE and China year after year underscored the commitment of the leaderships in both countries to leverage them as a role model in relations between countries that is based on mutual respect, trust and joint interests.

'Our visit to Beijing was outstanding. We, in the UAE, have significant interest in developing and bolstering bilateral co-operation in economic fields,' HH said, lauding ties between China and the Arab region as longstanding and distinguished. 'We will work together to revive and consolidate these historic bonds so as to serve the interests and future of our two countries,' he added.

Sheikh Mohamed hoped that these would see a paradigm shift and that Shanghai would play a critical, pivotal role in that effort.

Sheikh Mohamed praised the progress Shanghai is witnessing in sectors like advanced technology, industry, aviation and air transport, noting that the UAE and China own modern airline companies and aircraft fleets which can be harnessed to increase trade and tourist exchange.

The Mayor of Shanghai welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and his entourage, emphasising the keenness of China's leadership to further strengthen ties of friendship and co-operation with the leadership, government and people of the UAE.

He recalled that his last visit to Abu Dhabi in last May had produced good results and opened up new prospects for joint partnerships and co-operation in areas like investment, trade, culture and tourism.

'I have followed the results of Your Highness' visit to Beijing and your talks with the Chinese president and vice president as well as your visit to the Great Wall of China,' the mayor said, expressing hope that the trip would immensely contribute to advancing bilateral ties and boost joint co-operation in a manner that delivers the common vision and mutual interests of the friendly countries.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC), H.H. Lt.

General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, members of the delegation accompanying the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Omar Al Bitar, UAE Ambassador to China, and Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE.
Source: WAM