Mohammed bin Zayed.. Messages from the East

The UAE, China, and South Korea have many things in common, the most notable of which is that they are three successful experiments in modernization, and three models that race against time in development. The three countries share a special understanding of the idea of ​​modernity that is open to the world, while preserving values, traditions, and authentic culture. But more importantly, these countries are models of hope for all people and nations aspiring to progress. In the presence of these three countries, one can think of the few years in which each country was able to reserve a special place for itself in a world that only recognizes success. What is impressive is that these countries belong geographically to the East, which suggests the return of the spirit of civilization that was absent from this geographical dimension. For many centuries.

The story of each country requires readings and studies in order to benefit from it, stressing that the East is capable of emergence and progress if there is vision, will, and optimal employment of wealth and resources. This awareness of structural commonalities has dominated the UAE’s relationship with China since 1989, when Chinese President Yan Changkun visited » UAE, and in the following year, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan visited China. This was the first visit by a Gulf leader, which confirms the ability to foresee a promising future at that time. China was taking its first steps to become an influential global power, while the UAE was in the process of Establishment: In less than two decades, China has become a global pole, and the UAE has become, during the same period, a regional center that everyone aspires to.

The two visits of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, to the Republic of Korea and China, confirm these common interests. These two visits are not the first visits of His Highness to the two friendly countries, but the two visits come in the context of the same compass, vision, and direction, to strengthen economic and strategic partnerships between… The UAE, Korea and China, as well as strengthening the political situation and world peace. During the visit of His Highness the Head of State to China, in response to the invitation of President Xi Jinping, the two leaders celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which is an occasion to celebrate at all levels. In these four decades, the two countries achieved achievements that exceeded all expectations, and the relationship between them grew successively. Rapidly, the UAE has become China’s first Arab trading partner, and the volume of non-oil trade exchange between them reached 284 billion dirhams in 2022, with an annual growth of 27%, and Beijing is the third largest foreign investor in the UAE, with a balance approaching 10 billion dollars.

As for the Republic of Korea, the UAE is the second Arab trading partner for this country that excels in the new economy sectors. The UAE intends to invest $30 billion in Korea, in the fields of renewable energy and advanced technology, knowing that it is the second largest exporter of oil to Korea, due to this momentum of diplomatic movement and these strong trade relations. Great meaning and significance. When we admire the experience of both China and Korea, and call for its study, we should be proud that this balanced approach of the two countries towards the Emirates expresses confidence in the position of the Emirates, its economic capabilities, its strategic vision, and unlimited respect for our leaders, most prominent of whom is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He spares no effort to raise the UAE flag flying high in international forums.

The foreign steps and movements of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed give each one of us a feeling of confidence, and his calm smile instills in us a real sense of security and reassurance. He is the leader who will not rest until he achieves the UAE’s prominence, distinction, and leadership in all fields, and confirms to the entire world that the UAE is a homeland of peace. Development and progress are heading east to their natural geographical space, and its president is making two historic visits to support this trend, to combine efforts to direct the winds of the East until it returns once again to the forefront of civilization on political, economic, and cultural foundations, as well as establishing humanitarian partnerships that are not based on conflict or strife. , or hegemony, but rather targets a person’s well-being, his economic situation, his cultural conscience, and his feeling for others. Under the banner of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s most enduring lesson remains in its relations with China and Korea. “Seek hope in the East.”

*Yemeni writer