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Beijing: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and a high-powered delegation accompanying him on a state visit to China, on Tuesday visited several historic sites in the country, including the Great Wall of China.
During the day he also met Guo Jinlong, Mayor of Beijing. During his meeting with Shaikh Mohammad Jinlong expressed happiness for the UAE leader's visit to the Chinese capital. He expressed the hope that the visit would further enhance relations between the UAE and China.
The mayor briefed Shaikh Mohammad about the development drive in Beijing, which he described as China's centre of politics and decision-making. He said Beijing is striving hard for more openness and greater harmony with other capitals of the world.
Financial hub
He said like many Chin-ese businessmen and officials, he was personally interested in and attracted by Dubai as an international financial and business hub. He lauded the UAE for achieving great development and prosperity.
Shaikh Mohammad also praised China for its modern development and great achievements. He said he had witnessed during the visit China's great development in all areas, including the economy and infrastructure sectors.
Shaikh Mohammad wished all success to the Chinese capital in hosting the Olympic Games in September, adding that his daughter Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will attend.
Present at the meeting were Dubai Deputy Ruler, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Foreign Minister, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group; Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi; Minister of State Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimi and other members of the delegation.
On Tuesday morning Shaikh Mohammad toured the Great Wall of China. Over 400 heads of states and governments have visited The Wall since it was built in 400 BC to protect the boarders of the Chinese empire during the successive dynasties.
At the end of the tour Shaikh Mohammad wrote in the visitors' book: "The Wall of China is one of the wonders of the world. I am honoured visiting this historical landmark on earth." The director at the Great Wall Directorate presented Shaikh Mohammad with a memento to mark his visit.
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