Xi's visit a milestone in UAE ties

Trip sets stage for enhanced Belt, Road cooperation

President Xi Jinping arrived in the capital of the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, kicking off a two-day state visit.

This is the first visit to the Arab nation by a Chinese head of state in 29 years.

During the visit, Xi is scheduled to meet with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

A series of important agreements in such cooperation areas as the Belt and Road Initiative, production capacity, energy, agriculture and finance are expected to be reached during the visit.

It will be a new milestone in the China-UAE relationship, said UAE Ambassador to China Ali Al Dhaheri.

"The visit is an important step as the UAE seeks to build long-term economic, cultural, trade and investment ties with China," he said.

Huang Yongzhang, president of the Chinese Business Council in the UAE, said Xi's visit will boost political and economic ties between the two countries.