Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Beijing on April 13. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry's official website

China fully understands the legitimate security concerns of Gulf Arab states and supports the United Arab Emirates in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday during a meeting in Beijing with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who accompanied Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on his visit to China. 

A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz does not serve the common interests of the international community, and the fundamental solution lies in achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang said, elaborating on China's principled position on the current situation in the Middle East.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have maintained strong momentum of development. He noted that the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a major event in bilateral ties, expressing confidence that with joint efforts, the visit will be a complete success, further enhancing strategic mutual trust and deepening practical cooperation between the two countries, which is particularly important amid the current international and regional situation.

China has been actively promoting peace and ceasefire efforts, and stands ready to work with the international community, including the UAE, to help bring the Middle East back to peace and stability at an early date, Wang said.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak thanked China for its warm and thoughtful arrangements for the Crown Prince's visit, saying that the UAE regards China as a "second homeland" and a specially friendly comprehensive strategic partner. He expressed confidence that the visit will strongly promote cooperation across various fields and better benefit the two peoples. He said the UAE appreciates China's active efforts in easing tensions in the Middle East and looks forward to China playing an even greater role.

Global Times