Beijing, China - 14th August 2009 (WAM) - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, conveyed yesterday regards of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to President Hu Jintao, the President of the Peoples Republic of China.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and President Hu discussed a range of issues of mutual concern, including the need to strengthen economic ties between both countries, particularly in the fields of energy and investment. They also discussed military co-operation between the two countries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stressed the UAEs commitment to the "one-China policy".

With regards to the riots that broke out in the Xinjiang Province last May, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: "Tolerance, openness and understanding are critical to ongoing stability in all regions of the world as is respect for the law. After all, nonviolence and understanding are essential elements of the Islamic faith."The Chinese President voiced Chinas interest in further enhancing economic and political ties with the GCC states. Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Chinese interest in finalizing ongoing talks on the Free Trade Agreement between China and the GCC states.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and President Hu expressed optimism that their strategic co-operation would witness "major strides" in the near future.

The Chinese President thanked Sheikh Mohammed for the UAEs humanitarian support of the victims of the Great Sichuan Earthquake last year.

On energy, the two leaders showed common interest in exploring investment opportunities in exploration, extraction of oil as well as petrochemical industries. Sheikh Mohammed voiced the UAEs interest in establishing oil storage facilities in China, an idea that was welcomed by Chinese leaders.

The two leaders reiterated that co-operation in all these areas is a strategic step for the future.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also met with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Before attending a state banquette, Sheikh Mohammed and the Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of five bilateral agreements.

The Vice-President said he would encourage Chinese companies to invest in the UAE, hoping that the UAE would do the same.

Mr Xi congratulated the UAE for winning the bid to host the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope that UAE and Chinese firms would be involved in mutual investment in renewable energy.

Sheikh Mohammed had left Beijing on Friday, after a two-day visit to the Peoples Republic of China.

The five memoranda of understanding include:* His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and The Peoples Republic of China, Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei, signed memorandum that would help facilitate channels of political talks between the two countries.

* HH Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Heritage and Culture Authority and The Peoples Republic of China Minister of Culture Cai Wu, signed a memorandum designed to establish a strategic relationship between the two countries in the areas of art, culture and exhibitions.

* HE Yousef bin Omair al Muhairi, CEO of Adnoc, and Jiang Jiemin, President of China National PetroleumCorporation, signed a memorandum aimed at boosting co-operation between the two companies in areas related to petro-chemical industries as well as exchange of oil projects.

* HE Major General Esa Saif al Mazrouei, of UAEs Armed Forces and The Director of The Peoples Republic of China Commission for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, singed a memorandum on enhancing military co-operation and exchange of experience in the field of military industries.

*Representatives from the China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) and the UAEs International Golden Group also signed a memorandum on mutual co-operation.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed renewed an invitation extended by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa to the President Hu to visit the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed also extended an invitation to the Chinese Vice President.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.