ABU DHABI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Monday that China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will establish a strategic partnership.

China's Premier Wen Jiabao speaks during the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre January 16, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Wen made the announcement while meeting with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan. A joint communique will be issued later.

The move to further promote bilateral ties will enable the two countries to cooperate with each other in more areas and to better deal with future challenges, he said.

The Chinese premier said building such a partnership had been a common desire for both sides, and it was also what the new situation demanded. He said the two sides had treated each other as equals with respect and enjoyed ever deepening political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation, and closer cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The Gulf region is the world's major source of energy, therefore maintaining stability and peace in the area was not only in the interests of the region's countries, but had important implications for the world, the premier said.

Wen also said China was willing to work with the Gulf countries, including the UAE, in making unremitting efforts to promote stability and development of the region.

Khalifa said his country hoped to strengthen its all-around cooperation with China and Wen's visit would bring bright prospects for bilateral relations.

The UAE also hoped regional countries could preserve stability and live in peace and security, the president said.

Wen arrived here Monday morning after a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.