Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is visiting the United Arab Emirates, on the second leg of his Middle East tour, following a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. After a meeting with the UAE president in Abu Dhabi, Wen said the two countries will start a strategic partnership, as well as wide-ranging cooperation.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) is welcomed by Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (L) after arriving in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Jan. 16, 2012. [Xinhua]

After arrival in Abu Dhabi, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Wen said that China and the United Arab Emirates will establish a strategic partnership, and the move to further promote their ties will enable the two countries to cooperate with each other in more areas and to better deal with future challenges.

He said the two sides had treated each other as equals with respect and enjoyed ever-deepening political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation, and closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Wen Jiabao said that the Gulf region is a major source of energy for the world. Therefore maintaining stability and peace in the area was not only in the interest of the region's countries, but had important implications for the world.

Wen also said China was willing to work with the Gulf countries, including the UAE, in making unremitting efforts to promote stability and development of the region.

Khalifa said his country hoped to strengthen its all-around cooperation with China and Wen's visit would bring bright prospects for bilateral relations.

Previously, along with Khalifa, Wen Jiabao participated in the opening ceremony of the 5th World Future Energy Summit. In the keynote speech, Wen Jiabao said China will unswervingly stick to the development of eco-friendly energy and the improvement of traditional industry despite the challenges and costs.

Wen Jiabao also said that China will make concerted efforts with the world's people to promote innovation and future energy to establish a green and sustainable world.

Wen also held talks Monday with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on major international issues. He said that China supports the UN and the Secretary General to play a bigger role in international affairs and to achieve greater success.

After meeting with Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson on the sidelines of the energy summit, Wen said that China supports the efforts of European countries, including Iceland, to preserve financial stability and maintain economic growth.

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