Sharjah’s delegation to the People’s Republic of China successfully concluded its second stop in Shandong Province, marking a significant milestone in enhancing bilateral relations.
The visit 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. This agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas and cooperation across various fields.
Academic and Economic Collaboration
In a landmark event, the University of Sharjah (UOS) and Shandong University signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration and launch joint initiatives, solidifying the academic partnership between the two regions. Leading the Emirate’s delegation, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, signed the MoU with Cai Xiangyin, Director General of the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, in the presence of Deng Yunfeng, Vice Governor of Shandong Province.
Chairman Al Qasimi noted that the newly signed MoU aligns with DGR’s commitment to fostering meaningful interactions and collaborative partnerships between institutions in Sharjah and their counterparts in Asia, particularly in China. This effort reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who advocates for dialogue and mutual understanding among nations and cultures.
The University of Sharjah and Shandong University agreement will enhance academic and cultural exchanges, including teaching, research, faculty and student exchanges, staff development, and participation in international academic events. A Confucius Institute will be established in Sharjah by the academic year 2025-2026, offering Chinese language courses and cultural programs to promote educational and cultural exchange.
Showcasing Sharjah’s Strengths
During the visit, Sharjah institutions organized a ‘Sharjah Day’ event in Shandong Province, featuring 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 heritage and economic advantages.
The delegation explored Shandong’s rich cultural and historical heritage by visiting prominent landmarks such as the Shandong Cultural Center, Shandong Museum, and the Shandong Institute of Archaeology. These visits provided insights into the region’s vibrant past and present, fostering collaboration in cultural and tourism sectors.
Economic and Business Collaboration
The Sharjah delegation, including representatives from various economic and development authorities, visited leading Chinese companies and engaged in discussions with city officials. HE Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, emphasized the visit’s significance in highlighting Sharjah’s unique economic and investment opportunities and fostering mutual trade cooperation.
The Shandong Province visit, part of an official seven-day tour from June 2-8, commenced in Beijing and will continue to Shanghai. The tour aims to strengthen government relations and explore cooperation in economic, cultural, and tourism sectors, as well as consolidate ties in education, health, sports, technology, and innovation between Sharjah and China.
