Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to visit China next week

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will head to China for an official visit next week, it was announced on Thursday.

During his visit, the two countries are expected to discuss strategic cooperation in various fields as well as regional and international issues of common concern, official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh Mohamed will be accompanied by a high-ranking delegation comprising Sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

The two countries have strengthened ties in recent years through investments in ports and oil infrastructure under China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.

Read: China and the GCC: Rebuilding the silk road

Chinese President Xi Jinping also travelled to the UAE last year, marking the first visit by a Chinese leader to the Emirates in 29 years.

That trip saw more than 13 deals signed, from the approval of the first Chinese state-owned financial services firm to set up in Abu Dhabi Global Market, to a $1.6bn hydrocarbon survey contract awarded to China National Petroleum by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

A deal between DP World and Zhejiang China Commodities City Group to jointly develop a new Traders Market at the Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone was also signed.

Read: Chinese President ends UAE visit, raft of deals signed

In May, China’s East Hope Group also announced that it is evaluating plans to invest $10bn in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) to develop industries over 15 years in a three-phase plan.

More than 15 Chinese companies have invested in Kizad so far.

Read: China’s East Hope Group considers $10bn investment in UAE