Prime Minister of China, Wen Jiabao, said that his country is interested in strategic cooperation with the Arab world. Thus, China and the Arabs agreed pioneers of the "Silk Road" new partnerships to enhance economic and political.
According to China Daily, Wen made the statement during a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), January 17, 2012. Wen is the first Chinese leader to visit Arab countries. This is part of Wen's trip to the Middle East for six days.
"Now we have opened a new Silk Road. This is the path of comprehensive cooperation between China and Arab people and also the road to mutual trust politically, creating a credible trade, solidarity and mutual help. This is the road that connects the civilization and culture different, "said Wen.
For the sake of it pioneered a new Silk Road, China has agreed on financial cooperation and trade with the UAE. According to news agency Reuters, the two countries have agreed currency swap agreements worth U.S. $ 5.54 billion.
Lasted three years, it will boost trade cooperation and bilateral investment. In addition Wen today, January 18, 2012, attended the China-Arab Business Conference in the City of Sharjah, UAE.
Welcoming Wen's visit, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said that the UAE's growing attention to China as well as strengthening communication and cooperation with Beijing.
UAE is the first destination Premier Wen to the Middle East. After that, he will travel to Qatar and finish the tour in Saudi Arabia.
For China, the three countries it is one of the main suppliers of crude oil to China. Nearly a quarter of China's oil imports in 2011 came from the three Arab countries.
