China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged on Monday to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance strategic partnership.
When meeting with UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Sun Chunlan, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the UAE is not only the first Gulf country to establish a strategic partnership with China, but also China's largest export market in the Middle East region.
Over the years, the two countries have developed deep political trust, fruitful economic and trade cooperation and frequent cultural exchanges, she said.
"The UAE, located at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative, is an important partner for China to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. China is willing to strengthen its cooperation with the UAE for the benefit of the two peoples," Sun added.
The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, known as Belt and Road Initiative, was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.
Sheikh Mohammed spoke highly of the bilateral relations between China and the UAE and appreciated China's development achievements, stressing his country's willingness to exchange experience on the governance of country with China.
The vice president said the UAE is willing to be part of the Belt and Road Initiative which is far-sighted and boasts bright prospects.
The UAE welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest and more Chinese tourists, in order to promote the strategic partnership between the two countries, he added.
