BEIJING, CHINA – Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Zhao Leji held talks in Beijing with the speaker of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saqr Ghubash.
Zhao said that under the two countries’ leaders, China and the UAE have continuously consolidated their political mutual trust, expanded their practical cooperation, deepened the friendship between the two peoples, and brought bilateral relations to a new stage of comprehensive, rapid and in-depth development.
China is ready to work with the UAE to elevate bilateral relations, he said, Xinhua reported.
He said that China stands ready to strengthen exchanges at all levels to consolidate strategic mutual trust, and that it appreciates the UAE for its long-term, firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns.
“We hope to deepen practical cooperation, steadily advance ties in established areas such as energy, investment and infrastructure,” Zhao said.
He said that China keen on closer ties in areas such as information technology.
He expressed the hope that China and the UAE will strengthen cooperation on culture, tourism and civil aviation to consolidate popular support for bilateral relations.
Zhao also congratulated the UAE on becoming a member of the BRICS.
He said China supports the UAE in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs.
He added that China is ready to work with UAE to practice true multilateralism and promote international fairness and justice.
Zhao said China is willing to work with the UAE to promote cooperation on three global initiatives – the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.
The NPC is willing to strengthen friendly cooperation with the UAE Federal National Council, deepen exchanges of experience in law-based national governance, economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods, Zhao said.
It is also willing to provide legal guarantees for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and practical cooperation in various fields, he added.
Noting that next year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Saqr Ghubash said the UAE Federal National Council stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the NPC of China.
He said the FNC of UAE is ready to deepen exchanges and mutual learning related to legislation, other fields with China’s NPC, and contribute to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.