On January 30, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is on an eight-nation Africa tour, met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also Governor of Dubai, during a brief technical stopover in Dubai of United Arab Emirates. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on bilateral ties, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

During the meeting, Hu said that in recent years, China and the UAE have witnessed closer cooperation in various fields and frequent high-level exchanges. The trade and economic relations between the two sides have maintained a momentum of growth, he said, adding that the cooperation in energy, project contract, labor, investment, aviation, education and other areas has made positive progress. The Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of China-UAE friendly relationship of cooperation, said Hu. "China is willing to join hands with the UAE to enhance mutual political trust, increase high-level exchanges, deepen trade and economic cooperation to develop ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and strengthen cooperation in such fields as culture, education and health to boost mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples," he said. Hu also called for enhanced coordination and cooperation with the UAE in regional and global affairs so as to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East, the gulf region and the world at large.

Agreeing with Hu's comments on bilateral ties, Sheikh Mohammed said the development of UAE-China friendly and cooperative relations is in accordance with the two sides' common aspiration and demand, and is also conducive to safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East and the gulf region. The UAE, which attaches great importance to and highly appreciates its ties with China, will adhere to the one-China policy, continue to enhance political trust with China, further tap potentials in trade and economic cooperation, and promote the all-around growth of bilateral relations, he said.