On the afternoon of March 25, 2013, Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur at the Great Hall of the People.

With the joint efforts of both sides, China-UAE relationship has become one of the fastest growing bilateral relations between China and Arab countries since the two sides forged diplomatic relations in 1984, Zhang said, adding that their ties have reached a new level thanks to the establishment of a bilateral strategic partnership. Zhang described the UAE as an influential country in the Middle East and Gulf region, noting that China and the UAE are trustworthy friends and partners. He underscored China's new leaders' commitment to relations with the UAE, adding that China would like to work with the country to enhance friendly exchanges at all levels, cement political trust and expand pragmatic cooperation in investment, energy, finance and infrastructure. Zhang also called for stronger people-to-people and cultural exchanges and closer coordination on international and regional issues so as to constantly open up new prospects for China-Arab strategic partnership.

Zhang said Speaker Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur was the first foreign assembly leader he received since taking office as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), which reflects the high level of China-UAE parliamentary relations. Zhang said the new NPC would like to carry out exchanges and cooperation with FNC on multiple levels and in various fields, and strengthen exchanges in democracy and legal system construction as well as state governance so as to enrich China-Arab relations.

Zhang said that President Xi clearly put forward "Chinese dream" of great rejuvenation, which requires not only the unremitting efforts of the Chinese people, but a peaceful international environment. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, and is willing to work with other countries to promote the building of a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.

Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur congratulated China on the success of the First Session of the 12th NPC, expressing belief that the new leadership will lead the Chinese people to realize the Chinese dream. He said China's peace and development will benefit the world and that the UAE would like to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with China in the areas of politics, economics and culture, keep closer parliamentary exchanges and push forward bilateral strategic partnership.