Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum underlined the integral role of the UAE in boosting international cooperation and strengthening ties between the region and the world. This role is based on its policy of openness and its keenness to build bridges with other nations.

Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came while attending the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation taking place in the Chinese capital Beijing. Held under the theme “Shaping a Brighter Shared Future,” the Forum is seeing the participation of 40 heads of states and governments in addition to delegations from 150 countries, apart from international institutions like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.

Sheikh Mohammed also met Vice President of China Wang Qishan on the sidelines of the forum.

Sheikh Mohammed witnessed the launch of the 60 million square feet Traders Market, an international station for the Belt and Road Initiative in Dubai. The Chinese partner in the new market, located opposite the Expo 2020 site, will invest $2.4 billion in using the station to store and ship Chinese products from Jebel Ali to the world.

The mega project further highlights the UAE’s key role as a strategic partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It will include wholesale and retail outlets that help enhance regional and international trade through Jebel Ali.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of the historic and strategic trade relations between China and the UAE, which have been strengthened by constantly expanding social and cultural ties. He also praised the goals of the initiative to enhance cooperation between partner countries in three continents and breathe life into the historic Silk Road.

“The UAE is a partner in building the Belt and Road Initiative. The plans for the future under the initiative’s framework are aligned with our vision. The UAE’s advanced infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and its long-standing position as a trade hub adds to the momentum of the Belt and Road Initiative. We look forward to cooperating with all stakeholders to make sure this remarkable global project is a success,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

On the cooperation between China and the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed said, “We are in full agreement with each other to expand our already thriving cooperation. Not only will the Belt and Road Initiative cement the status of the UAE as a regional trade hub, it will also benefit the countries in our region and beyond.” First proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious effort to expand regional cooperation and improve connectivity on a global scale. Through infrastructure investment and regional cooperation, the initiative has the potential to accelerate the rate of economic integration and development, as trade costs decline.

Sheikh Mohammed attended the opening address of Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which he welcomed world leaders and delegations to the People’s Republic of China and highlighted the accomplishments of the Belt and Road Initiative so far and the cooperation between China and partner states.

In his speech, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of sustainability, transparency, and intellectual property rights in the next phase of the initiative as part of supporting the growth of the international economy and the development of nations.

Sheikh Mohammed is leading a high level official delegation to the Forum.

The delegation includes Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy.

Among the others were Dr. Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr Sultan Bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, EAA, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of Dubai Protocol Department, and Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China.

WAM