What they say about the Belt and Road Initiative

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, United Arab Emirates president:

"The UAE is willing to be China's most important partner in the Middle East, jointly implement the important consensus reached during (Chinese President Xi Jinping's) visit (in July 2018), and promote the continuous development of bilateral cooperation in all fields."

"The UAE is proud of its longstanding friendship with China, and by creating more ideal partnerships, we will have a promising future, as these partnerships will enable us to cope with present and future transformations and requirements."

"The UAE has the potential to become a key player in the (Belt and Road) Initiative, due to its strategic location, key role in international trade and the world energy market, openness and stability, modern infrastructure, flexible legislative environment and vibrant economic and trade relations with China, which is also one of its key trading partners."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE, ruler of Dubai:

"We have many areas of political and economic agreement and a solid base of projects in the energy, technology and infrastructure sectors. More importantly, a strong political will to start a greater phase of cooperation and integration."

"Today, we have exemplary relations with China and a Chinese leadership that sees the UAE as the main strategic partner in the region."

Essa Kazim, governor of Dubai International Financial Centre:

"Dubai and China's continued collaboration is driving economic growth and social impact in the region. Through our collaboration with China Everbright Group, we believe that DIFC is perfectly positioned to facilitate significant opportunities as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are proud of the record growth that Chinese institutions have achieved through the Centre, and are looking forward to supporting the Group as it expands its global footprint."

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, former UAE minister of economy:

"UAE-China strategic partnerships constitute an important model in international economic relations. Agreements signed during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UAE will definitely catapult this partnership to new heights."

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, ruler of the emirate Fujairah and a member of the Supreme Council:

"Fujairah is ready to work with China to promote complementary cooperation in practical matters and realize common development."

Zhong Shan, former commerce minister of China:

"This future of cooperation is broad as both the UAE and China are advocates of the economy and multilateralism. On this, we have mutual interest and a joint position."