China and the United Arab Emirates have signed over a dozen cooperation agreements, after President Xi held talks with Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Beijing on Monday. Wu Guoxiu reports from the Great Hall of the People.

A ceremony with 21 gun salutes. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, to Beijing on Monday.

The two countries are celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Last July, President Xi became the first Chinese president to visit the UAE in 29 years. A comprehensive strategic partnership was announced during that trip. President Xi says since then, bilateral relations have maintained overall high-quality development. And during this meeting, the two sides will release a joint declaration on strengthening that partnership.  

The Crown Prince is visiting China for the fourth time. He says deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership will be the biggest priority of the UAE's diplomacy.

And that no matter what happens in the world, the UAE will be China's best strategic partner. The two sides signed 16 cooperative agreements after their talks. Top on the list was one to boost military cooperation.

Others focused on agriculture, the environment, nuclear energy and artificial intelligence, as well as cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. There was also a memorandum of understanding on listing the Chinese language in the UAE's primary school courses.

WU GUOXIU BEIJING "Prior to this visit, ambassadors from both countries said China and the UAE's relationship is the strongest its ever been. This visit is expected to enhance their political, military, commercial, cultural, people-to-people and technological cooperation across the board. And also on the Crown Prince's agenda, is a joint economic summit Monday afternoon. Wu Guoxiu CGTN Beijing."