On March 29, 2012, Premier Wen Jiabao met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen said the UAE possessed strategic vision in dealing with ties with China, as it is the first country in the Gulf region to establish a strategic partnership with China. The bilateral exchanges and cooperation were entering into a new development phase, Wen said, noting the two peoples enjoyed profound friendship. The two sides should make scientific planning and keep close coordination, to promote orderly, efficient and sustainable development of bilateral energy cooperation. He urged both sides to take effective approaches to improve investment cooperation in infrastructure, high-end manufacturing and the green industry, and deepen educational and cultural exchanges. The two countries should work together to promote the negotiation of a free trade zone between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), he said.

Sheikh Mohammed said Premier Wen's visit to the UAE in January was historic and has achieved fruitful results. The establishment of the strategic partnership between both sides conformed to the two sides' fundamental interests, and there was broad prospect for mutually beneficial cooperation between both sides. He said the UAE will adhere to the one-China policy, and support a bigger role of China in international and regional affairs. The UAE was ready to cement practical cooperation with China in all fields to push bilateral ties for greater development in the new period, he added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and North Africa.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Zhixin and Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Huang Jiemin were present at the meeting.