Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China pledged on Friday to strengthen their people-to-people exchanges as they agreed to lift bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The decision was taken during the talks the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping had with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In a declaration on upgrading their ties, the two countries agreed to set up cultural centres 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 as well as on promotion of 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.
Xi was received at the Presidential Palace by the Abu Dhabi crown prince and the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister.
He was greeted by horse guards and a UAE Air Force aerobatic display team. A 21-gun salute was made when Xi arrived at the palace.
The national anthems of both countries were played and Xi, accompanied by the crown prince, reviewed a guard of honour.
Xi kicked off his state visit to the UAE on Thursday, the first by a Chinese head of state in 29 years.