The report stated that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated this governmental disposition, in a telephone conversation with his counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

During the dialogue, the Chinese diplomat expressed his support for the UAE in the pursuit of an independent development path and in advancing mutually beneficial issues.

He also urged opposing outside interference and safeguarding the sovereignty, security and development interests of the two countries. According to Wang, the two sides should take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, next year, as an opportunity to further strenghten the traditional friendship.

The two sides should implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, strive to reach an agreement on China-GCC free trade as soon as possible and promote further development of China-Arab relations, the Foreign Minister added.

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