Chinese vice president meets UAE vice-president

BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese side is ready to forge closer partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), said Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping here Thursday at a meeting with UAE vice-president and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Xi pointed to the rapid growth of bilateral ties in recent years with a firm foundation and their mutual respect in the past years.

He said the Chinese side would enhance political mutual trust with the UAE and maintain coordination on major issues, further explore cooperation potentials, and strengthen cultural exchanges.

Mohammed said the UAE will advance the development of partnership, strengthen high-level contacts and deepen cooperation in various fields between the two countries so as to promote bilateral relationship to higher levels.

Mohammed, also ruler of Dubai emirate arrived here Monday for a four-day official visit to China as guest of the Chinese government.