Beijing/Tianjin:  Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said yesterday that the UAE gives top priority to the development of its relations with China including political, economic and cultural fields.

"We are marching towards that goal with confidence and look forward to further cooperation with our Chinese friends. China is today the major trading partner of the UAE as the value of trade between the two countries stood at $25 billion [Dh92 billion] last year.

"The opening of a Chinese school in Abu Dhabi adds more meanings to our desire to develop relations in all domains," Shaikh Abdullah said in China's Tianjin city.

He was delivering a speech at the concluding session of the fourth round of the Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, which was held here with the participation of foreign ministers and heads of delegations of Arab states.

Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Mousa and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi were among the participants in the meeting, which was opened by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday.

Shaikh Abdullah added: "We look forward to enhancing the pace of work and mutual cooperation in the field of renewable energy. This area is of fundamental interest to both countries and it calls for more joint work, particularly in the areas of scientific and applied research and stimulation of joint investment."

He thanked China for hosting the forum and stressed that the development and renewal of this valuable and historical relationship will benefit both parties.

Constructive step

He also expressed hope that the meetings and deliberations will be a constructive step towards more joint action and positive communication.

With a view to strengthening cooperation and common development, the forum during the last two days discussed ways for the continuous development of China-Arab relations and regular political consultations on regional and international issues of common concern.

In his inaugural speech on Thursday, the Chinese premier said that his country stood by the Arab states in exploring development paths compatible with their own national conditions and supported the peace process in the Middle East and the just Arab causes in order to restore legitimate rights.