President Xi Jinping stressed his readiness to bring the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the United Arab Emirates to a higher level on Friday, as the two nations marked the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Xi made the pledge as he exchanged congratulatory messages with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in celebration of the anniversary.

China and the UAE are good friends who trust each other and are good partners for win-win cooperation, Xi said.

He noted that China-UAE relations over the past 40 years have maintained sound and steady development with strengthened political mutual trust and stronger synergy in development strategies.

Xi also mentioned fruitful practical cooperation, close people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and sound communication and coordination in regional and international affairs between the two sides.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, the UAE has been China's largest export market and second-largest trading partner in the Middle East for years.

While stressing his strong emphasis on China-UAE ties, Xi said he stands ready to work with the UAE leader to use the 40th anniversary as a new starting point to elevate bilateral ties, deliver greater benefits to the two peoples and further enhance regional and global peace and stability.

The UAE president, who paid a state visit to China in May, said the Arab nation has always been committed to consolidating and developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China for the benefit of the two peoples.

He expressed hope that the two countries will continue to develop, prosper and carry out more cooperation in various fields.

On the same day, Premier Li Qiang exchanged congratulatory messages with UAE's Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Li said Beijing is willing to work together with Abu Dhabi to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state to continuously enrich the bilateral partnership.

The UAE Vice-President expressed the country's willingness to deepen relations with the world's second-largest economy and strengthen cooperation across the board.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn