ABU DHABI - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Monday morning for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Bilateral cooperation in politics, trade and culture has been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 28 years ago, Wen said in a statement upon arrival.

China has attached great importance to the development of bilateral ties and is ready to work with the UAE to further deepen and broaden practical cooperation between the two countries, Wen said.

"I firmly believe that my visit will help further promote the friendship between the two countries and peoples and bring bilateral ties to a higher level," he said.

During his visit, Wen will hold talks with UAE leaders and exchange views with them on regional and international issues of common concern.

Wen will also address the opening of the fifth World Future Energy Summit to be held in Abu Dhabi on January 16-19, during which there will be a platform for country leaders, business managers and technology experts to exchange views and expertise on issues of energy safety, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Wen arrived here from Saudi Arabia, where he had discussions with political and business leaders of the country and witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements between the two countries.

The UAE is the third leg of Wen's four-nation tour. He visited Nepal on Saturday before flying to the Middle East. The trip will also take him to Qatar.