The United Arab Emirates University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences signed today a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance scientific and research cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation and talent training. It will enhance academic visits between researchers with the aim of sponsoring scientific exchanges and training scientists, as well as organizing scientific conferences and joint scientific events between the two parties.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, which was held remotely, was witnessed by Dr. Ali Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, and Mr. Ni Jian, the Chinese ambassador to the UAE

The memorandum was signed by H. E. Prof. Ghaleb Al Hadrami Al Breiki - Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, and by H. E. Prof. ZHANG Yaping, the Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

H.E. Dr. Ali Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, affirmed, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and let us start with this step in conducting joint scientific research between the United Arab Emirates University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The future of the model of cooperation between us does not only illuminate the science and innovation sector, but also strengthens the comprehensive strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the People's Republic of China.

H. E. Ni Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, affirmed his warmest congratulations on the signing of MOU between the UAEU and CAS. Ambassador Ni mentioned that The friendship between China and the UAE has a time-honored history. The UAEU has a long tradition of making fruitful research achievements in aeronautics,astronautics, medicine, healthcare etc. CAS is China s top scientific think tank and academic governing body, providing advisory and appraisal services on issues stemming from the national economy, social development, and science and technology progress..

Prof. Ghaleb Al Hadrami Al Breiki, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, affirmed that this scientific cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Sciences opens wide horizons for the advancement of scientific and technological knowledge. The integration of the resources available in both prestigious institutions will allow new discoveries and a positive impact on the scientific community at the global level. This cooperation will also be devoted to promoting our research and innovation activities in vital areas, including space sciences, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, mobility, transportation, water resources and environmental sciences. He said, The United Arab Emirates University is committed to preparing and supporting all initiatives concerned with sustainable research cooperation with the Academy to achieve human, environmental and economic welfare, which we urgently need now more than ever before.  The development of this cooperation is in line with the requirements of the UAE national agenda and preparing for next fifty years.

Prof. ZHANG Yaping, the Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, affirmed that the UAE is an important partner of China and the two countries have a long history of cooperation in many fields.  The relations have witnessed during the last decade a significant development, especially in the fields of science and technology such as clean energy and environmental sciences. He said: The United Arab Emirates University is the first and most comprehensive academic and research institution in the United Arab Emirates and it has made great contributions to achieving sustainable development based on innovation.  He pointed out that researchers from the United Arab Emirates University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences had started since 2020 in discussions of joint research projects and exploring ways of cooperation in the fields of water, environmental sciences, energy, health sciences, big data, etc. Under the framework of the MOU, CAS will work closely with UAEU by jointly sponsoring projects, training talents, promoting academic visits, etc. to enhance S&T cooperation.