The establishment of strategic partnership between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will create a broader prospect for the two nations in the expansion of bilateral cooperation, visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said at Dubai Tuesday.

China and the UAE have witnessed great progress in bilateral relations since they established diplomatic ties in 1984, Wen said at a meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

China and the UAE have treated each other with respect and trust, and have been confident in each other's development, the Chinese premier said.

The decision to establish a strategic partnership between the two nations is in line with the fundamental interests of both sides and will create a broader prospect for them in the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various areas, Wen said.

Wen said that China is willing to expand cooperation with the UAE in trade and exploration of oil and gas as well as in the field of developing new energy resources, with the aim to establish a long-term, stable and comprehensive energy partnership between the two sides.

The Chinese government encourages Chinese businessmen to further invest in key UAE infrastructure construction projects of transportation, telecommunication and electricity, Wen said.

Wen also said the two sides should step up their joint efforts to crack down on cross-border crimes and safeguard the safety and social stability of the two nations.

A peaceful and stable Gulf region is of great significance to world peace, Wen noted, adding that China highly values its ties with Gulf region nations and recognizes the important role played by the UAE in regional affairs.

He said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the UAE on important issues.

For his part, Mohammed echoed Wen's views on the bilateral relations, saying that cooperation between the two sides has greatly boosted the economic development in the UAE and Dubai, and brought closer the links between the two peoples.

Mohammed, also the ruler of Dubai, said Chinese companies are very much welcomed to establish businesses and expand their investment in the UAE, adding the UAE is willing to serve as a bridge for China and the Gulf region to enhance exchanges.

After their talks, the two leaders signed a joint statement on establishing strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements.

Prior to their talks, Wen met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

On the same day, the Chinese premier also visited the Dragon Mart in Dubai, extending his Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese business community there.

The Dragon Mart, which opened in December 2004, is China's largest overseas commercial and trade center.

Wen arrived in the UAE Monday morning after concluding an official visit to Saudi Arabia. He visited Nepal on Saturday before flying to the Middle East. The trip will also take him to Qatar.

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