China ships in UAE

Two Chinese warships docked in Port Zayed yesterday, the first time a naval contingent from the country has berthed in the Middle East.

The FFG-525 Ma’anshan, a 135-metre frigate, and the supply vessel Qiandaohu arrived from a six-month mission in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea where they were part of the international force protecting commercial ships and oil tankers from Somali pirates.

“We came for peace and friendship, for mutual understanding and for expanding mutual exchange,” said Senior Captain Quu Yanpeng, the deputy chief of staff of China’s East Sea Fleet.

“Our friendly co-operation is not only in the interest of our people but also conducive to the global peace and stability. The friendly exchange between our navies is an important component of our bilateral relations.”

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