On April 3, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks at the Great Hall of the People with visiting Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on enhancing China-UAE friendly relations and cooperation and reached broad consensus.

Wen hailed the development of bilateral relations over the past 23 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties, pointing to ever closer political exchanges and sound consultation in international and regional affairs. Wen also 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. The two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation on transportation, communication, energy and architecture with increasing personnel and cultural exchanges, said Wen, adding that China is delighted with the sound momentum for the development of bilateral ties.

Wen said both China and UAE have entered a period of rapid economic growth and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries. China attaches great importance to developing ties with UAE and is ready to work with it to maintain high-level exchanges, build mutual trust and cement political basis of cooperation, so as to actively push forward pragmatic cooperation on the existing sound basis, the premier noted. Wen also expressed 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 have its own advantages in energy and infrastructure construction 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 the Arab Peace Initiative. "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) to push friendly exchanges and cooperation between both sides for new achievements.

Hailing the sound development of bilateral ties, 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. UAE will continue to commit itself to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations with China, increasing high-level visits and personnel contacts in all areas and developing bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, education, culture and other areas.

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.

Following the talks, the two leaders also witnessed the signing of a couple of bilateral cooperation documents including a treaty on criminal judicial assistance. Prior to the talks, Premier Wen held a welcoming ceremony at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People for Mohammed's visit. Vice Chairperson of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Pan Guiyu, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Chairman of the State Development and Reform Commission (SDRC) Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and other officials attended the welcoming ceremony.