While expressing his delight at the state visit of Xi Jinping, President of China, to the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said that the visit will herald a new chapter in the strategic relations between the UAE and China.

"I assure you, President Xi, that the UAE is a strategic partner of China, as we have identical points of views and stances on several issues," he added.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stressed that the relations between the UAE and China have become special and have continually progressed, and were founded on mutual understanding, openness, respect and benefits.

"The UAE is proud of its longstanding friendship with China, and by creating more ideal partnerships, we will have a promising future, as these partnerships will enable us to cope with present and future transformations and requirements," His Highness Sheikh Mohamed noted.

He also praised the Belt and Road Initiative as a unique strategic programme that will connect countries in Asia, Africa and Europe through a strong belt of economic, trade and social development projects, which will enhance their political relations, consolidate world peace and stability, and restore the region's stature.

"The UAE has the potential to become a key player in the initiative, due its strategic location, key role in international trade and the world energy market, openness and stability, modern infrastructure, flexible legislative environment and vibrant economic and trade relations with China, which is also one of its key trading partners, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed further added.

He described China as a major regional and international power, which has a pivotal political, economic and security role and is a stabilising factor in Asia.

He also highlighted the importance of the joint cooperation between the two countries in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as in confronting terrorism and drying up its sources of finance and support and achieving development and progress in the region.

"The UAE is willing to consult with China to address and tackle regional and international issues," H.H. Sheikh Mohamed said.

H.H. also expressed confidence in the vibrancy and promising outlook of China's economy.

On Africa, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said the UAE will be ready to increase cooperation with China in Africa so as serve mutual interests and goals.

On his return, President Xi Jinping said the good reception and warm hospitality accorded to him during the visit had left a lasting impression on him, those who present here and in China as well.

''Every one senses the evolving historic bilateral ties since the landmark visit of Sheikh Zayed to China, which laid the foundation for this good relationship. I consider the UAE my second home country and my first visit has left a good impression on me,'' he said.

''The UAE is enjoying security, social stability, development, economic prosperity, cultural diversity and tolerance. The UAE has made a miracle in the desert that all the world appreciated. I congratulate the UAE on these achievements you have made,'' the Chinese president stated.

According to him, the UAE-China ties have been witnessing significant progress and receiving a big boost that enabled them to scale new heights and make rapid progress since the last visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to Beijing.

The UAE-China cooperation, he noted, had become more practical, deeper, stronger and dynamic in security, economic, trade and cultural fields till these relations have become exemplary.

He expressed his confidence that the UAE and China will become close, reliable partners, helping each other to achieve joint development and prosperity.

''UAE and China have common enablers to deliver high quality social and economic development and decent life to their peoples,'' he stressed.

The Chinese president invited the UAE leaders to visit China.

The two sides took stock of progress in bilateral relations in economic, academic, cultural, political, energy, renewable energy and advanced technology and other aspects of joint cooperation. They also explored ways of expanding prospects of joint cooperation in these fields, based on solid pillars of mutual understanding, harmony, trust and respect.

They also exchanged views on a wide range of latest regional and global issues, including terrorism and extremism, and their humanitarian, social and economic repercussions.

The two sides also discussed ways to confront terrorism and extremism and efforts to support security, peace, development and stability in the region and beyond.

At the end of talks, the UAE and China expressed proud of their strong relations, asserting their commitment to expanding them in several spheres.

They also stressed the need for international concerted efforts to bring peace to the region and the world by creating a safe and stable environment conducive to comprehensive social, economic and humanitarian development as well as prosperity for peoples of the world.

UAE and China emphasised the importance formulating a world humanitarian vision based on values of tolerance, dialogue and cultural interaction and communication.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2018.