Politics
21:22, 30-Oct-2018
China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership lays foundation for bilateral ties
Updated
21:03, 02-Nov-2018
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The upgrading of relations between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a comprehensive strategic partnership was made during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Gulf country this July, Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said on Tuesday.
He noted that this decision sets up the foundation for bilateral relations in the future.
Wang made the comments when he met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in the capital city.
The Crown Prince echoed Wang's stance that Xi's visit pushed the cooperation between the two sides to a new level and sent out a positive signal.
Wang told the Crown Prince that China wants to step up collaboration with the UAE to help restart Beijing's free trade negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
While meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai, Wang hailed the sustainable development and successful transformation the city has achieved, describing it as a business card for the UAE to show its own style.
Wang suggested the two countries boost cooperation in finance, innovation and artificial intelligence and urged the pushing forward of a project supported by Chinese scientists to grow rice in the desert.
Cherishing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE, the minister said his country attaches great importance to China's international status and thanks China for its long-standing support of the UAE.
He also welcomed China to attend the Dubai World Expo in 2020 in the hopes of serving as an opportunity to deepen friendship and cooperation with China.