Zhai Jun (left), special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, meets with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on October 24. Photo: mfa.gov.cn

Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, exchanged views on China-UAE relations and the current situation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on October 24 during his visit to the UAE, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and increasing humanitarian assistance.

According to Zhai, China-UAE relations have achieved significant progress in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the UAE, and next year will witness the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China is willing to work together with the UAE to promote cooperation in various fields to a higher level.

The current situation in Israel and Palestine is extremely grave, with the conflict leading to a large number of civilian casualties and aggravating the humanitarian crisis, about which China feels deeply saddened and concerned, Zhai said, adding that the current priority is to de-escalate the situation, achieve a ceasefire, increase humanitarian assistance efforts, and prevent the overspill of the crisis.

Zhai said China and the UAE share similar stances on the Palestinian issue and China is willing to strengthen coordination with the UAE in multilateral occasions such as the United Nations Security Council to play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation in Palestine and preventing the conflict from expanding.

Sayegh said that the China-UAE relations remain deep and solid, with fruitful cooperation achievement made in various fields. The two sides provide support for each other in multilateral occasions and maintain close communication and coordination on international and regional issues.

The UAE expresses regret over the large number of civilian casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging an immediate ceasefire and to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, ensuring the basic human rights and needs of the people in the region, Sayegh said.

The UAE highly values China's role and influence and is willing to work with China to promote a comprehensive and just resolution of the Palestinian issue at an early date, Sayegh added.

Global Times