At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid a visit to the UAE from Dec. 12 to 13.
Wang and Sheikh Abdullah had in-depth exchanges on the overall development of friendly relations between the two countries and their peoples, as well as on issues of common concern.
Both sides noted that the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership has registered positive progress across various fields, meeting the shared expectations of the two countries' leaders and peoples for development and prosperity.
They agreed to implement the important consensus reached during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to China and meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in May 2024, and to work together to elevate bilateral relations across all fields and at both bilateral and multilateral levels to a higher level.
The Chinese side voiced its firm support for the UAE in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The UAE stressed its firm adherence to the one-China principle, noting that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It also expressed firm support for the Chinese government in achieving national reunification, and voiced its opposition to external interference in China's internal affairs.
The Chinese side backed the UAE's efforts to peacefully resolve the issue over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa through bilateral negotiations in accordance with the UN Charter and other international law.
The Chinese side spoke highly of the UAE's development achievements in various fields, and expressed its willingness to further align the Belt and Road Initiative with the UAE's "We the UAE 2031" vision and the "Principles of the 50," so as to jointly promote development to higher levels.
The UAE spoke highly of the successful convening of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, calling it a boost to China's high-quality development and mutually beneficial cooperation within the international community.
The UAE commended the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi. The Chinese side invited the UAE to participate in cooperation under the frameworks of the four initiatives.
Both sides highly appreciated the positive outcomes of bilateral practical cooperation across various fields, and agreed to strengthen cooperation in economy and trade, investment, oil and gas, renewable energy, water resources, infrastructure, scientific research, military, law enforcement and security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, and expand exchanges in Chinese language education, tourism and civil aviation, so as to constantly enrich the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.
The UAE voiced support for China in hosting the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026, and for the concurrent convening of the second China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, and expressed its willingness to work with China to ensure their success. The Chinese side said it is ready to work with the UAE to promote the early completion of talks on a China-GCC free trade agreement.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution, and to establishing, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, which enjoys full sovereignty and a viable living environment, and coexists peacefully and securely with Israel.
They welcomed the global efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and stressed that all parties should abide by the ceasefire agreement, so as to alleviate humanitarian suffering and create conditions for lasting peace.
The Chinese side commended the UAE's positive and influential role in regional affairs, while the UAE praised China's active efforts and important contributions to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large.
Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on multilateral platforms such as the UN, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and to jointly work for a more prosperous and progressive world.