Ahead of President Xi's visit to the UAE, my colleague sat down with Emirati Minister of State Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. The minister said he believes the trip will be a milestone in bilateral relations.

UAE Minister of State Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said President Xi's upcoming visit will open a new chapter for bilateral relations.

SULTAN AHMED AL JABER UAE MINISTER OF STATE "This strategic visit will have a historic significance. Our leaders, our government and our people all warmly welcome the visit by the Chinese president."

Al Jaber said the bilateral relationship dates from 700 AD, when the ancient Maritime Silk Road connected the two. He said relations entered a new era in 1984, as the two countries established diplomatic ties. Then in 2012, the two nations took another step forward, by committing to a strategic partnership. Three years later, Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid a visit to China.

SULTAN AHMED AL JABER UAE MINISTER OF STATE "The relationship between the two countries leapfrogged in 2015, after Crown Prince Al Nahyan's visit to China. During his visit, the two sides signed at least 12 agreements to reaffirm our cooperation and strategic partnerships in various fields."

Al Jaber said Chinese and UAE leaders are expected to discuss issues like security and trade during President Xi's visit. He said he believes the trip will benefit not only the two countries, but also the whole region.

SULTAN AHMED AL JABER UAE MINISTER OF STATE "UAE leaders have always considered China as a key strategic partner. China plays a strategic role not only in economy but also in many other areas. For example, our cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative shows our common concerns in economic and social development."

Al Jaber added that he was quite impressed by China during his previous two visits to the country.

SULTAN AHMED AL JABER UAE MINISTER OF STATE "I have been to China many times. Actually I was in China last week. I feel very honored whenever I visit the country. I'm getting to like the country more and more. I can feel its culture, its strength, its determination, as well as the Chinese people's wish to achieve sustainable economic and social development."

Al Jaber, who also serves as the president and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, said the two countries are highly complementary in the energy sector.

SULTAN AHMED AL JABER UAE MINISTER OF STATE "China is the world's largest importer of oil. This is determined by the country's development, its economic size and its role in the global economy. Thanks to our strategic partnership, China has become one of the fastest growing and most important markets of our company, in crude oil, refined oil and petrochemical products."

Al Jaber also said the Emirati government and people are looking forward to the Chinese president's visit. And he hopes the visit will bring the two countries closer than ever.