Guangdong strengthens ties with UAE

Guangdong province and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, signed an exchange and cooperation agreement on Thursday, further strengthening and promoting contacts across a number of sectors of mutual interest.

The agreement details several areas in which Ras Al Khaimah and Guangdong will collaborate more closely, including digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, culture and tourism.

It also acknowledges the "significant advances in the relationship between the UAE and China" in recent years and highlights the desire of both parties to "increase understanding and friendship, and promote mutually beneficial, long-lasting and effective cooperation".

Wang Weizhong, governor of Guangdong, noted that the province and the UAE have a long history of exchanges and close economic and trade cooperation. The UAE has become Guangdong's largest trading partner in the Middle East and also the country in that region with the largest investment in Guangdong.

Guangdong will further deepen reforms, continue to expand high-level opening-up to the outside world, vigorously develop emerging industries — new information technologies, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and the low altitude economy — and steadfastly promote high-quality development in the months to come.

Wang made the remarks on Thursday in a meeting with Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the country's Supreme Council and the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to discuss expansion of ties.

Wang and Sheikh Saud witnessed the agreement signing by Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, board member of Ras Al Khaimah's investment and development office, and Chen Guangjun, acting director-general of Guangdong's foreign affairs office.

Sheikh Saud said the agreement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and mutual growth.

"It is designed to increase understanding and friendship, and to promote mutually beneficial, long-lasting and effective cooperation," he said.

"As we work together to build a brighter future, Ras Al Khaimah reaffirms its dedication to strengthening international relations and contributing to global prosperity and peace."