China, UAE pledge further people-to-people exchanges, all-round energy cooperation
Xinhua
1532108060000

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(Photo: TTG China)

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pledged Friday to strengthen their people-to-people exchanges as they agreed to lift bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In a declaration on upgrading their ties issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, the two countries agreed to set up cultural centers in each other, launch joint cultural projects, and participate in each other's cultural activities.

They also agreed to expand dialogues on soft power and cultural policies, enhance cooperation in such fields as heritage preservation, modern arts and urban environment, and promote exchanges between their think tanks.

According to the document, China and the UAE will also step up regular dialogues on tourism cooperation and long-term cooperation between their major cultural organizations.

People-to-people exchanges have seen rapid progress over the past few years. In 2017, the number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE topped a million.

All-round energy cooperation

On the same day, China and the UAE also vowed to advance all-round cooperation in clean and renewable energy as they agreed to lift bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In a declaration on upgrading their ties issued during President Xi's state visit, the two nations agreed to expand mutual investment and tap the potential of cooperation in areas like clean and renewable energy.

Meanwhile, governments and enterprises on both sides should deepen cooperation in crude oil trade, oil and gas exploration and oil field development, according to the document.

The two sides agreed that oil and gas cooperation is an important pillar for bilateral practical cooperation, said the document.

In oil-rich Middle East, the UAE has started to pursue greener and more sustainable development, often with the help of technologies and projects from China.