During her meeting with Chen Changzhi, Vice Chairman of the National People’s Congress of the People's Republic of China, on the sidelines of Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, meetings in Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, FNC, has stressed the importance of forming joint parliamentary ties to reflect the strategic partnership between both countries.

During the meeting, they agreed to establish a parliamentary friendship organisation that aims to promote co-operation, especially in parliamentary areas as represented in confirming the role of parliaments in legislative fields, co-ordinating and consulting on issues of mutual concern, and the exchange of visits and experiences.

Both sides praised the development of bilateral relations between the UAE and China, especially in political, economic, commercial, educational, cultural and parliamentary areas. They added that mutual visits by the officials of both countries, especially the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to China represented an important opportunity to form several strategic partnerships in important areas of development and investment, to enlarge the scope of commercial, economic and cultural exchanges and improve co-operation in political, industrial and investment areas, while exploring new opportunities for achieving their common interests.

They also addressed the issues discussed during the 136th meeting of the IPU in Bangladesh, while stressing the importance of co-ordination during the union’s upcoming meetings.

"The FNC, as a legislative institution, is keen to contribute to efforts that aim to create a secure and better future, and we are also keen to strengthen these efforts through the participation of parliamentarians, through their work and relations with world parliaments," Al Qubaisi said.

Chen Changzhi praised the Abu Dhabi Declaration that was issued at the conclusion of the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments presented during the meetings of the IPU while highlighting that its content is considered a clear road map for political, economic and environmental issues, as well as for empowering youth and women.

He stressed his admiration for the UAE’s rapid civilised development, highlighting that the UAE’s international efforts aim to achieve international peace, security and stability. He also stressed the desire of his country to promote co-operation with the UAE in all areas, especially parliamentary ties, in order to enhance bilateral relations.