(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-03 23:56

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met Thursday with visiting Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The two leaders exchanged views on stepping up the friendly and cooperative relations between their nations and reached broad consensus, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

Wen hailed the development of bilateral relations over the last 23 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, and expressed China's appreciation of the UAE's adherence to the one-China policy.

"The UAE is one of China's most important economic partners in the Gulf region, serving as a transfer center for Chinese products to the Middle East and African markets", Wen said.

Wen said the expansion of bilateral cooperation would facilitate the fundamental interests of both nations, stressing that China valued its ties with the UAE and expressing his hope that the two nations could expand and diversify their trade.

"China welcomes UAE businesses to invest in China, and encourages major Chinese companies to invest in UAE. They could also explore the possibility of jointly investing in a third country," Wen said.

Wen added that China and the UAE each has its own advantages in energy and infrastructure building and could become stable partners in these areas.

Wen said that the Middle East issue should be settled through negotiations on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions, the principle of "land for peace" and a peace proposal made by Arab countries.

"China is a sincere friend of the Arab countries and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in pushing forward the Middle East peace process," Wen noted.

Wen also pledged that China would step up exchanges and cooperation with the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC).

Mohammed said that the UAE has always valued its ties with China and will firmly support China's reunification cause. It also opposes external intervention in China's internal affairs and wishes China will successfully host the Olympics Games.

Mohammed also voiced his hope to step up cooperation between China and the GCC, adding that his country could act as a bridge between other GCC members and China.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a bilateral agreement on cooperation in criminal investigation and justice affairs.