The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China and the United Arab Emirates should bolster security cooperation in areas including counterterrorism and fighting extremism to jointly safeguard the security and stability of both nations and the region, Xi said in a meeting with UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, signed during Xi's visit to the UAE in July, opened a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations, Xi said.

China sees the UAE as an important cooperative partner for the joint building of the Belt and Road, he said, adding that the nations should steadily push forward pragmatic cooperation with energy cooperation as the principal axis, and bolstered by bilateral cooperation in investment and infrastructure construction as well as high-tech sectors.

Xi also voiced China's support for the UAE's hosting in 2020 of the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East.

The UAE vice-president said the visit by Xi last year was a huge success and provided a boost for the development of bilateral ties.

The UAE attaches strategic importance to relations with China and firmly believes in bright prospects for China's development, he said.

Premier Li Keqiang also met with the UAE vice-president on Thursday.