On the afternoon of March 28, 2012, Vice President Xi Jinping held talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi said China-UAE relations have made substantial progress in recent years. China and the UAE launched a strategic partnership in January this year. Xi said it marked a new stage of China-UAE relations. The development of China-UAE relations conforms to the needs of the times and is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and peoples. Xi said he is willing to work together with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to push forward bilateral relations.

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties. UAE-China ties are good enough to serve as a remarkable example for sound state-to-state relations. He said his current visit is aimed at pushing UAE-China relations for greater progress.

Sheikh Mohammed came to Beijing on the afternoon of March 27 for a three-day official visit.