2021 was a year full of great and unforeseen challenges. Yet it was also a year of great accomplishments for the UAE, China, and the whole world.

Despite the global Covid-19 epidemic, our two countries have prospered and grown through close cooperation.

The UAE has celebrated its Golden Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of foundation. Meanwhile, Expo 2020 Dubai has achieved great success as the first World Expo hosted in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region.

Part of the reason why Expo 2020 Dubai has been able to safely and successfully bring the people of the world together is thanks to the close logistical and pharmaceutical cooperation between the UAE and China.

As UAE ambassador to China, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Chinese friends and wish them, as well as the greater global community, a happy and prosperous New Year.

With the swift approach of the Year of the Tiger and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, I am confident that 2022 will be an auspicious year for China, and also for the world. I look forward to closer and more comprehensive cooperation between the UAE and China in the coming year, and for the many years and generations to come.

Happy New Year!

The author is ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to China. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.

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