NEW DELHI, June 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with Ali Mohammed Hammed AI Shamsi, secretary-general of the Supreme National Security Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), here on Tuesday.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said China and the UAE are comprehensive strategic partners.
China is ready to work with the UAE to strengthen confidence, make joint efforts, maintain high-level exchanges, unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation, promote people-to-people ties, and push bilateral relations to a higher level, Wang said.
Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, China and the UAE have maintained close communication, Wang said, adding that the conflict has recently turned toward dialogue, but whether lasting peace can truly be achieved still depends on joint efforts from all parties.
Wang said three priorities should be upheld at present. First, relevant parties should commit to a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and effectively implement the recently signed memorandum of understanding. Second, normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz should be restored as soon as possible to keep the "lifeline" of regional development unimpeded. Third, countries in the region should draw lessons from repeated turmoil in the Middle East, rebuild mutual trust and explore a new regional security architecture suited to the evolving situation.
China is ready to continue supporting the UAE in playing a constructive role in promoting long-term peace and stability in the region, Wang said.
Shamsi said UAE-China relations enjoy a long history and are of historical and strategic significance. The UAE regards China as its most important partner and sincere friend, and is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, expand cooperation in various fields and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
The UAE highly appreciates China's image as a responsible major country, Shamsi said, expressing sincere thanks to China for its positive role in promoting a political settlement of the Middle East conflict.
The UAE is willing to maintain coordination with China, support efforts to realize lasting regional peace through diplomatic channels, and safeguard the security of international shipping as well as the industrial and supply chain, he said. ■
