Zhang Dejiang (front R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Monday met with Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur.

The meeting was Zhang's first with a foreign assembly leader since taking office as chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) earlier this month.

China-UAE relations have been growing fast since the two sides forged diplomatic relations in 1984, Zhang said, adding that their ties have reached a new level thanks to the establishment of a bilateral strategic partnership.

Zhang described the UAE as an influential country in the Middle East, noting that China and the UAE are trustworthy partners.

Zhang underscored China's new leaders' commitment to relations with the UAE, adding that China would like to work with the country to cement political trust and expand cooperation in investment, energy, finance and infrastructure.

Zhang also called for stronger people-to-people exchanges and closer coordination on international and regional issues.

Zhang said the new NPC would like to carry out exchanges and cooperation with FNC on multiple levels and in various fields.

Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur said China's peace and development will benefit the world and that the UAE would like to work more closely with China in the areas of politics, economics and culture.

The speaker will conclude his China visit on Friday.

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohammed Ahmed al-Mur during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)