Wang Weizhong, governor of Guangdong province, met with a delegation led by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, in Guangzhou on November 21.

Wang extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Saud and his delegation, highlighting the significance of 2024 as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. He noted that the important consensus reached by the two heads of state has charted a clear path for the future development of China-UAE relations.

Wang emphasized the long-standing exchanges and close economic cooperation between Guangdong and the UAE. The UAE is Guangdong's largest trading partner in the Middle East and the leading Middle Eastern investor in the province. He explained that Guangdong is fully implementing the strategic decisions of the CPC Central Committee, focusing on deepening reform, expanding high-level opening-up and fostering emerging industries such as next-generation information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, new energy and low-altitude economy.

Wang said UAE enterprises should seize the opportunity to invest in Guangdong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

He also stressed the importance of using the memorandum of understanding signed between Guangdong and Ras Al Khaimah as a foundation for enhancing pragmatic cooperation in areas such as the digital economy, advanced manufacturing, biomedicine, education and cultural tourism. Wang said Guangdong is committed to advancing China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

Sheikh Saud expressed his gratitude for Guangdong's hospitality and gave a rundown on the economic and social development of Ras Al Khaimah. He highlighted the potential for strengthened cooperation between Guangdong and Ras Al Khaimah, emphasizing the complementary advantages of both regions. He expressed a desire to foster collaboration in trade, investment, digital economy, technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, education and cultural tourism.

Sheikh Saud welcomed Guangdong enterprises to invest in Ras Al Khaimah and work together to create a new chapter of win-win cooperation.

Following the meeting, Wang and Sheikh Saud witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on fostering exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong province and Ras Al Khaimah.

Video link: https://www.gdtv.cn/tv/5af7788f8d8cf6ca1d083ca3c1b8d7b3