President Hu Jintao said on Tuesday that China is willing to make concerted efforts together with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen cooperation in various fields.

 

 

Hu, who stopped over in Dubai en route to the Cameroonian capital of Yaounde for an eight-nation Africa tour, made the remarks when meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also governor of Dubai.

 

During the meeting, Hu said that in recent years, China and the UAE have witnessed closer cooperation in various fields and frequent high-level exchanges.

 

The trade and economic relations between the two sides have maintained momentum of growth, he said, adding that the cooperation in energy, investment, aviation, education and other areas has made progress.

 

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of China-UAE friendly relationship of cooperation, said Hu, who is on an eight-nation Africa tour.

 

"China is willing to join hands with the UAE to enhance mutual political trust, increase high-level exchanges, deepen trade and economic cooperation to develop ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and strengthen cooperation in such fields as culture, education and health to boost mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples," he said.

 

Hu also called for enhanced coordination and cooperation with the UAE in regional and global affairs so as to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East, the gulf region and the world at large.

 

After expressing his agreement with Hu's comment, Sheikh Mohammed said the development of UAE-China friendly relations is in accordance with the two sides' common wish and demand, and is also conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the gulf region.

 

The UAE, which attaches great importance to its ties with China, will adhere to the one-China policy, continue to enhance mutual trust with China, exploit potentials in trade and economic cooperation, and further the all-around growth of bilateral relations, he said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2007)