On August 14, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the Great Hall of the People.

During the meeting, Wen said recent years have witnessed more dynamic exchanges between China and the UAE in all areas with bilateral ties being much closer. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now China's second largest trading partner and its largest export market in the Arab world. Common ground has increased between China and the UAE in coping with the global financial crisis, and the economic growth will breed new opportunities, he said. Both sides should take effective measures to give full play to their respective advantages and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, trade, investment and financial fields. Wen said the Chinese government would like to actively consult with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for early consensus on signing a free trade pact so as to push China's relations with Gulf countries to a new level.

Mohammed said the UAE attaches great importance to developing ties with China and is actively committed to promoting friendly cooperation of mutual benefit with China. The UAE hopes to establish special, long-term strategic relations with China and expand cooperation on energy, trade, investment and other areas. The crown prince said the UAE has always supported China's position on major issues concerning China's sovereignty and security.