China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a joint communique on setting up strategic partnership between the two countries, Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement, issued during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's official visit to the UAE, hailed the progress made in bilateral relations.

The document said that the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the UAE have been expanded and enriched continuously, bringing benefits not only to the two countries and two peoples, but also to regional and international peace, stability and development.

The two sides agreed to increase high-level exchanges of visits, forge closer political consultations between the two foreign ministries, keep consultations and coordination over bilateral ties as well as major regional and international affairs.

They also agreed to establish a long-term and comprehensive strategic relationship in the energy sector.