Xi Jinping puts forward four-point proposal on Middle East peace, stability in meeting with UAE crown prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East when meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing.

Xi called for adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence. It is imperative to promote the building of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture for the Middle East and the Gulf region, he noted.

He urged adherence to the principle of national sovereignty. He said the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region should be fully respected, and the safety of personnel, facilities and institutions of all countries should be effectively safeguarded.

On adherence to the principle of international rule of law, Xi said the authority of international law should be upheld to prevent the world from falling back into the law of the jungle.

He said development and security should be coordinated. All parties should work together to create a favorable environment for the development of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region.

China is willing to share the opportunities of Chinese modernization with Gulf countries, fostering a solid foundation for regional development and security, Xi added.

Strengthening China-UAE ties

Noting the UAE is a comprehensive strategic partner of China, Xi said China has always attached great importance to developing relations with the UAE.

With joint efforts from both sides, China-UAE relations have maintained healthy and stable development, political mutual trust has been continuously deepened, pragmatic cooperation has steadily progressed and cultural exchanges have been rich and diverse, Xi said, adding that consolidating and enhancing China-Arab relations is a firm consensus between both sides and meets the expectations of the peoples of the two countries.

China is willing to work with the UAE to build a more solid, resilient and dynamic comprehensive strategic partnership, said the Chinese president.

Both sides should continue to support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns, maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen strategic trust, Xi said, adding that strategic alignment in development should be enhanced, tapping potential in areas such as energy, investment, trade and technology, while deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xi also urged promoting progress in education, civil aviation and tourism cooperation, strengthening cultural exchanges and consolidating the foundation of public support.

Calling on both countries to enhance coordination and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and BRICS, Xi stressed using the stability of China-UAE relations to respond to uncertainties in international and regional situations, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Sheikh Khaled stated that China-UAE relations have a long history and solid foundation, with both countries always showing mutual respect and trust and sharing extensive common interests.

The UAE attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen cooperation across various fields and open broader prospects for bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples, said the crown prince.

The UAE appreciates China's responsible and constructive role in international affairs and its positive efforts toward a political solution to the current Middle East crisis, he said.

He added that the UAE is committed to maintaining close communication and coordination with China, promoting ceasefires and the restoration of regional peace and stability as soon as possible, safeguarding international shipping security and preventing further impacts on the global economy and energy security.

The UAE will ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the country, said the crown prince.

(With input from Xinhua)