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ABU DHABI, July 19-- China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are enjoying their "best period" in history now, said a senior Chinese diplomat. "This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE. Our relationship is currently in its best period in history," Ni Jian, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, told the UAE official news agency WAM in an exclusive interview. In the Middle East, the UAE has "the deepest, broadest and most fruitful cooperation with China," he said. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will pay a state visit to China next week, almost one year after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UAE. "The exchange of visits between our leaderships within a year is proof of the high standards and special significance of China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership, thus marking a milestone in the development of our bilateral relations," he explained. "The upcoming visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is expected to consolidate and deepen our political and strategic mutual trust, and elevate our political, military, commercial, cultural, people-to-people and technological cooperation," the ambassador said. "Jointly promoting the Belt and Road Initiative is in line with the UAE's interests and brings opportunities and momentum to our respective development. As an important regional transport hub and financial and trade center, the UAE has a pivotal role to extend China's cooperation with the Gulf and the Middle East," he explained. | 
