Bahrain and China heralded a new era of strategic partnership as they signed an array of agreements in a range of sectors, including trade, investment, e-commerce, space, health and education.
This came as His Majesty King Hamad held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday as part of his official state visit.
The King commended China’s economic growth, technological advancements and innovation and emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to developing co-operation to benefit from Chinese expertise in various disciplines.
He stressed the importance of activating agreements and exploring investment opportunities available in both countries to achieve common goals and aspirations.
His Majesty gave a speech in which he expressed his gratitude for China’s role and its interest in implementing a number of developmental projects in Bahrain.
The King and the Chinese President shaking hands during their meeting
“Bahrain shares with you the interest in strengthening our economic relations which extend back to the 70s of the last century, and we are proud to highlight again the first shipment of aluminium sent by Bahrain to your country since that time,” the King said.
“Today, coinciding with this visit, the national carrier, Gulf Air, launched its direct flights to Shanghai and Guangzhou.
“We believe we are on the right path for developing our economic relations which hold high potential.
“We appreciate China’s support for Bahrain’s membership in the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, which reflects the strong solidarity between our countries on an international level.
“We also anticipate the outcomes of the ongoing negotiations between GCC and China to establish a free trade area to bolster trade and investment exchange between our two regions.”
In a joint statement issued yesterday, Bahrain and China pledged to continue co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative, expanding collaboration in infrastructure, economy, trade, investment, finance, new energy, advanced technology, agriculture, fisheries, education, culture, tourism and health.
His Majesty also stressed Bahrain’s commitment to promoting the values of peace, tolerance and human coexistence.
“We call for resolving conflicts and granting people their basic human rights, such as decent living, good health and education. This was asserted in the resolutions and initiatives announced at the Bahrain Summit held recently. Through them, we seek to reinforce joint Arab action and co-operation with friendly nations, to uphold regional security and achieve prosperity for the people,” he said.
“We seek to resume diplomatic ties with Iran as a neighbour, and we welcome your support for this effort to promote peace and stability in the region, and for working together alongside other relevant parties to deal with the repercussions of the situation in Palestine.
“We urge the international community and the Security Council to take a firm stance to stop the war in Gaza, paving the way for an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
The King lauded China’s global position as a permanent member of the Security Council and its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
“We value China’s stances on the recognition of the State of Palestine as a full member state of the United Nations and its interest and unwavering support for just Arab causes,” His Majesty said.
The Chinese President appreciated Bahrain’s rapid development and its efforts to foster the values of tolerance and human coexistence.
He commended the Kingdom’s hosting of the 33rd Arab Summit and the big success it has achieved in promoting Arab co-operation at all levels.
President Xi hailed the stances of His Majesty on various issues in the region, and his efforts to achieve regional peace and stability.
The leaders discussed developments in the Middle East and the Arab region, at the forefront of which are the efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to its people.
They emphasised the need to mobilise international action to support the peace process, ensure the withdrawal of Israel from occupied Arab land, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution.
The leaders stressed the importance of the role of the Security Council in settling international disputes through dialogue and diplomatic negotiations, resolving challenges pertaining to environment and climate change, food security, cybersecurity, combating terrorism and its financing and preventing nuclear proliferation.
President Xi hosted a dinner in honour of His Majesty, which was attended by members of the accompanying delegation and senior Chinese government officials.
Bahrain-China summit reports – Pages 2, 4 and 12-13
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