UAE, China in strategic tie-up

The UAE and China yesterday signed a series of agreements that will see UAE and Chinese companies develop advanced and sustainable energy technologies and solutions. A strategic cooperation agreement has also been signed between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) for the development of upstream projects. General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, along with Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement and a memorandum of understanding on energy between the UAE and China at the Emirates Palace. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and the delegation accompanying the Chinese Premier, also attended the signing ceremony. Article continues below Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed said that the visit of Wen Jiabao gave momentum to the resolve of the leaderships of both countries to bolster joint cooperation. The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said the UAE was looking forward to stronger and strategic relations with China in the light of its international standing to restore and safeguard international peace, security and stability. "We are open to boosting and expanding the cooperation and friendship ties with the countries in the east, among others, China," he added, citing growth in the number of Chinese tourists to the UAE. The UAE has introduced the teaching of Chinese language in a number of schools, where many students are interested in learning the language and understanding Chinese culture, he said. The Chinese Premier said China has encouraged teachers and students to learn Arabic. The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation. The two countries have expressed interest in pushing forward their bilateral cooperation to a strategic level. They also pledged to increase investments, mutual visits of business persons and cultural exchanges between the two countries. He reiterated that the UAE occupies a strategic position where it plays a vital role in the region, especially in trade and economic areas, stressing the keenness of his country to strengthen relations in the best interests of the two peoples. Dr. Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Assistant Foreign Minister and Special Envoy on Energy and Climate Change, signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Zhang Ping, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), signed it on behalf of the People's Republic of China. Potential avenues for collaboration under the MoU include joint investment in areas such as sustainable technology solutions and large/utility-scale renewable energy projects, as well as exchanging expertise and sharing experience with policies and regulatory matters. In addition, the agreement opens the door to joint research in renewable energy projects and sustainability technologies. A strategic cooperation agreement has also been signed between the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) and China National Petroleum Corporation. Dr Joan Salem Al Daheri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Petroleum Council, signed the agreement on behalf of the UAE, while Jiang Jiemin, President of the China National Petroleum Corporation, signed it on behalf of China. Technical studies The agreement aims for collaboration in production and upstream projects in one or more undeveloped areas as specified by the Supreme Petroleum Council. The Chinese company will conduct technical and economic studies in order to assess those areas and will forward the studies to Adnoc. The agreement also aims for cooperation in the fields of petrochemicals, technical services, engineering and construction services, equipment manufacturing and supplying, education and training, and research and development. Also present at the ceremony were Abdullah Nasser Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Adnoc, Khal-doun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, Reem Ebrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State, and other officials.