Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Tuesday that bilateral relations between China and the United Arab Emirates have seen remarkable expansion since the two countries established diplomatic links 20 years ago.  

During his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al-nahayan of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, Wen said the two countries treat each other as equals and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation in trade.

He said as bilateral trade grew, the friendly cooperation in other areas also expanded. He said the two countries had conducted sound cooperation in international arena.

Wen thanked the UAE for staying on course with the one-China policy and wished for greater development of bilateral relations.

Hamdan presented Wen with a letter written by UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-nahayan to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Hamdan said the UAE cherishes the friendship and cooperation with China and was ready to take various measures to expand bilateral relations in all aspects.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2004)