SHARJAH, 5th June, 2024 (WAM) -- The Sharjah delegation to the People's Republic of China has successfully concluded its second stop in Shandong Province, marking a major milestone in bilateral relations.
The visit, coordinated with the People’s Government of Shandong, culminated in the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah (DGR) and the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Province.
The agreement aims to facilitate an exchange of ideas and cooperation across various fields.
Another landmark event was the signing of an MoU between the University of Sharjah (UoS) and Shandong University to strengthen collaboration and to launch joint initiatives, further solidifying the academic partnership between the two regions.
Leading the emirate’s delegation, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR; and Cai Xiangyin, Director General of the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, signed a MoU in the presence of Deng Yunfeng, Vice Governor of Shandong Province.
This agreement aims to enhance cooperation between economic, trade, educational, cultural, and tourism institutions in both regions, and by establishing a communication mechanism, the MoU facilitates discussions on mutual interests, ensuring coordination between the two parties.
Al Qasimi noted that the MoU aligns with DGR’s commitment to facilitating meaningful interactions and collaborative partnerships between institutions in Sharjah and their counterparts in Asia, particularly in China. This endeavour is in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who is a firm believer in dialogue and mutual understanding among nations and cultures, and recognises the importance of cooperation in advancing human civilisation and achieving comprehensive and sustainable development across all sectors globally.
Signed in the presence of Deng Yunfeng, the University of Sharjah (UoS) and Shandong University signed an agreement to enhance academic and cultural exchanges. This collaboration will involve teaching, research, faculty and student exchanges, staff development, and participation in international academic events. The agreement, signed by Prof. Dr. Hamid Al Nuaimi, Chancellor of UoS, and Prof. Jian Zhang, President, Shandong Normal University aims to strengthen education, research, and capacity building at both institutions.
As part of the MoU between the universities, a ‘Confucius Institute’ will be established in Sharjah by the academic year 2025-2026 and facilitated by UOS. The institute is a language centre with branches around the world and will offer Chinese language courses and cultural programmes to promote educational and cultural exchange.
During the visit to Shandong Province, the emirate’s institutions organised a ‘Sharjah Day’ event, which featured cultural and commercial activities to highlight Sharjah’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly regulations. The event, aimed to attract investors, businessmen, and tourists by showcasing Sharjah’s cultural project, heritage and economic advantages.
During their two-day visit, the Sharjah delegation had the opportunity to explore Shandong’s rich cultural and historical heritage. They visited prominent landmarks such as the Shandong Cultural Centre, Shandong Museum, and the Shandong Institute of Archaeology, gaining insights into the region’s vibrant past and present.
The delegation also met with the Regional Culture and Tourism Department of Shandong, fostering collaboration in these vital sectors, and the opportunity to experience Shandong’s natural wonders, including the serene Daming Lake and the majestic Laoshan, showcasing the province’s diverse beauty and appeal.
Commenting on the cultural meetings, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, stated, ”This visit underscores the depth and breadth of UAE-China relations, exemplifying a harmonious balance between our two regions. It underscores the importance of communication between peoples and cultures, fostering mutual respect and benefiting from our collective achievements."
Dr. Al Musallam commended the bilateral ties between the UAE and China, which are underpinned by the strong leadership and mutual support between the two nations.
He highlighted the numerous exchanges and collaborations in various fields, including economy, trade, investment, technology, culture, heritage, and education, which have fostered a deep and lasting relationship. Dr. Al Musallam also acknowledged China’s rich cultural heritage and its iconic landmarks, expressing optimism that the visit will yield positive outcomes and fruitful cooperation opportunities through the agreements signed with the Chinese government and universities, as well as the meetings with officials and industry leaders.
The Shandong Province visit, part of an official seven-day tour from June 2-8, which commenced in Beijing and will make its way to Shanghai, aims to strengthen government relations and explore cooperation in economic, cultural, and tourism sectors, as well as to consolidate ties in education, health, sports, technology, and innovation between Sharjah and China.