China would cement friendship and cooperation with the Islamic countries based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, President Hu Jintao said Friday afternoon.

China and the Islamic countries have long maintained mutual respect and trust and have shown understanding and support to each other on issues concerning the core interest of the other side, Hu told visiting Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan.

China would cement friendship and cooperation with the Islamic countries based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, President Hu Jintao told visiting Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayedal-Nahayanon, Aug. 14.

Hu said China would like to promote dialogues and exchanges with different cultures and civilizations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is now China's second largest trading partner and important supplier of energy resources in the Arab world.

China and the UAE have enjoyed political trust, mutual support and reciprocal trade cooperation since they forged diplomatic ties25 years ago, said Hu, adding they have also maintained consultations on international and regional issues.

"We appreciate the UAE government for its adherence to the one-China policy, as well as its support on the Taiwan issue and the issues concerning Tibet and Xinjiang," Hu said.

The president said the two countries were facing new opportunities for furthering relations, and China would work with the UAE to enhance cooperation to benefit the two countries and peoples.