Celebration event held in Abu Dhabi to mark 40 years of China-UAE diplomatic ties

A celebration event is taking place at Corniche, Abu Dhabi, to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), presenting a carnival of cultural exchanges between the two peoples.

The three-day event, named "Building Bridges for the Future: UAE-China", opened Friday under the theme of "Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future."

Visitors to the event are immersed in a vibrant blend of Chinese and Emirati culture, featuring interactive workshops that encourage attendees to explore traditional crafts from both countries.

Through hands-on activities like calligraphy, fan painting and basket weaving, guests have the opportunity to engage with artistry that has been passed down through generations, celebrating the shared values of craftsmanship and heritage.

Artisan stalls along the Corniche showcase handcrafted goods from both Chinese and Emirati artists, offering a close-up glimpse into the cultural richness of each country.

"That's really a very nice chance to a lot of people anyway, and also in China to know what's going on between these two countries. And 40 years of relationship - it's a big period and very interesting. Here on the events today we saw a lot of different culture between the two countries. Everyone happy, everyone likes to know some things about the other country. Like for example, for me I would like to know what's about the Chinese culture, and also the Chinese people want to know that Arabic culture. So I find this a very nice chance for people to know about China and the UAE," said Sultan Alkaabi, a UAE visitor.

The event has attracted many local people. In addition to showcasing traditional handicrafts from the two countries, food tasting is also a highlight.

"On such a special day, the UAE royal family and government decided to host a unique event to celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations at the most vibrant Corniche in central Abu Dhabi. I felt a strong sense of friendship in the air. I have learned that this event was personally organized by Sheikha Maryam, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's eldest daughter, and she focused on every detail. This truly reflects the UAE royal family's significant commitment to the event of 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE," said Zhang Yiming, China's ambassador to the UAE.

Celebration event held in Abu Dhabi to mark 40 years of China-UAE diplomatic ties

With China assuming the rotating presidency on Friday, the United Nations Security Council will focus its work in May on revitalizing the authority of the UN Charter and the role of the United Nations, while advancing the political settlement of the Middle East issue, and promoting the stability and development of African countries.

Briefing reporters on the Security Council's priorities for May, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and president of the Security Council for May, made the statement on Friday.

In recent years, the world has been witnessing growing turbulence in the international landscape, with conflicts increasing, divisions widening, and the multilateral system, along with international law, under considerable strain, he said, urging the international community to take urgent actions to uphold the authority of the UN Charter and strengthen the role of the United Nations to prevent the world from "relapsing into the jungle" and "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war".

In this context, Fu said, the Security Council will convene a high-level open debate in May under the theme of upholding the purposes and the principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system.

Security Council to focus on UN's role, Middle East, Africa in May: Chinese envoy

Security Council to focus on UN's role, Middle East, Africa in May: Chinese envoy