China and UAE Deepen Diplomatic Ties Amidst Ongoing Israeli-Palestinian Crisis
United Arab Emirates, October 25, 2023 — As the crisis between Israel and Palestine continues to escalate, China’s special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, visited the United Arab Emirates to discuss the ongoing tensions and strengthen the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. This strategic conversation occurred with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE’s Minister of State, on October 24, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and ramping up humanitarian aid efforts.
Decades of Friendship: China-UAE Relations Over the Years
While the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a pressing topic of discussion, the two representatives also took time to reflect upon the burgeoning relationship between their respective nations. With this year marking the 5th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE, and next year being the 40th year since their diplomatic ties were established, there was much to celebrate.
Zhai proudly noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations, their relations have witnessed tremendous growth and progress. These milestones, combined with the shared vision of their heads of state, have only cemented the need for China and the UAE to further their cooperative endeavors in various fields, scaling their partnership to unprecedented heights.
The strengthened bond was further echoed by Sayegh, who pointed out the deep and unwavering relationship between China and the UAE. Both nations have historically enjoyed fruitful collaborations across multiple domains. Their combined approach and mutual support on global platforms and regional issues bear testament to their shared objectives and visions for the future.
A Grave Situation: The Current Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
However, amidst these celebrations, the grim situation in Israel and Palestine cast a shadow over the diplomatic discussions. Zhai expressed profound sadness and concern regarding the intensifying conflict, which has resulted in a tragically high number of civilian casualties and a deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Addressing the severity of the conflict, Zhai emphasized the urgent need to de-escalate the tensions. According to him, the immediate priority should be to establish a ceasefire, boost humanitarian assistance, and ensure that the crisis does not further spread, leading to potential regional instability. The goal is clear: to prevent any more innocent lives from being lost.
The sentiment was resonated by Sayegh, who expressed the UAE’s deep regret over the alarming rate of civilian casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Echoing Zhai’s sentiments, Sayegh urged for a swift ceasefire and an increase in humanitarian support for Gaza. Ensuring the basic human rights and needs of the region’s population is of paramount importance, he emphasized.
China and UAE: A Unified Stance on Palestine
During the discussions, Zhai highlighted the congruent stances that China and the UAE hold regarding the Palestinian issue. Both nations are in agreement on the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, Zhai affirmed China’s commitment to bolstering coordination efforts with the UAE on platforms like the United Nations Security Council. The objective: playing a pivotal and constructive role in calming the situation in Palestine and preventing the crisis from expanding further.
Expressing appreciation for China’s stance and influence on global affairs, Sayegh iterated the UAE’s desire to join forces with China. Their combined effort, he believes, can pave the way for a comprehensive and just resolution to the Palestinian issue. As he pointed out, the path forward lies in cooperation, and the time to act is now.
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