Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayedal-Nahayan, Aug. 14.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also met with the crown prince on Friday.

Wen said common ground has increased between China and the UAE in coping with the global financial crisis, and both sides should take effective measures to expand cooperation in energy, trade, investment and financial fields.

He said China would like to actively consult with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for early consensus on signing a free trade pact.

The guest, who is making his first China tour since he became crown prince, said the UAE hoped to establish strategic cooperation with China in trade, oil and petrochemical fields.

He said the July 5 riot in Xinjiang was China's internal affairs, and his country supported the Chinese government's efforts to safeguard national unity, security and stability.

Friday evening, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Bin Zayedal-Nahayan witnessed the signing of several cooperative agreements including one on setting up a bilateral political consultation mechanism.

During their hour-long talks, Xi proposed to establish China-UAE strategic partnership in the energy field, and expand cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure construction.

"China is willing to cooperate with the UAE in gas and petrol exploration and the utilization of recycling energy," Xi said.

He urged the two countries to further consolidate political trust, boost cultural and educational cooperation and facilitate the China-GCC free trade area negotiation.

In response, Bin Zayed al-Nahayan told Xi his country firmly backed every measure China took to safeguard national stability and unity, and was ready to cement trade and energy cooperation with the country.

Xi also thanked the UAE for its firm support on issues concerning China's core interests, and for its aid to China after the 8.0-magnitude quake last year.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2009)