BEIJING - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday congratulated Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his assuming office as deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In his message, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the UAE is a country with unique and important influence in the Middle East and a comprehensive strategic partner of China.

READ MORE: China-UAE joint air force training exercise opens in Xinjiang

Wang recalled that in May, when UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a successful state visit to China, President Xi Jinping made strategic plans with him for the development of China-UAE relations at the next stage.

ALSO READ: Exchange of letters boosts China-UAE ties

Wang said he is willing to maintain close contact with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and lift China-UAE relations to a higher level.