President Xi Jinping met with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Beijing on Friday, reaffirming their mutual support on core interests and agreeing to expand cooperation in various areas. The two leaders also announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Bahrain.
Xi praised the steady development of China-Bahrain relations in recent years, calling Bahrain "a good friend and partner of China in the Gulf region." He highlighted the concrete benefits these relations have brought to both peoples, noting that China is now one of Bahrain's five largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $2.1 billion in 2023.
King Hamad, who is on a state visit to China from Tuesday to Saturday, attended the opening ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Thursday. His visit coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During their meeting, Xi expressed appreciation for King Hamad's commitment to strengthening ties with China, calling it "significant for advancing China-Bahrain relations." He pledged China's support for Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in areas like energy, investment, transportation, new energy, and the digital economy.
Xi also emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people interactions to further solidify the friendship between the Chinese and Bahraini peoples. He reiterated China's support for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East region, expressing willingness to work with Bahrain and other Arab countries to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue.
King Hamad acknowledged the significance of China's development for other developing countries and the process of building a multipolar world. He expressed confidence in China's ability to achieve national rejuvenation and contribute to world peace and prosperity. He also highlighted Bahrain's commitment to working with China to expedite the free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
As the rotating chairperson of the Council of Heads of the League of Arab States, King Hamad briefed Xi on the 33rd Arab League Summit, particularly on Arab efforts to end the Gaza conflict. He expressed hope for China's greater role in resolving the conflict.
The historical connection between China and Bahrain, dating back to the 7th century AD through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, has fostered mutual understanding and cooperation. The two countries, through their shared principles of mutual understanding, assistance, and equal treatment, serve as a model for peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation between nations of different sizes and social systems.
8 Comments
AlanDV
Another day, another authoritarian regime making friends with China. Is this really about "mutual understanding" or just about access to resources and influence?
PeterV
Peace and reconciliation" sounds good, but I'm not convinced China's involvement in the Middle East is about genuine solutions.
Vladimir
Comprehensive strategic partnership" sounds a lot like "economic dominance" to me. China's influence in the Middle East is getting out of hand.
PeterV
The historical connection between China and Bahrain is a testament to their long-standing relationship and shared values.
Vladimir
The agreement with Bahrain will help further strengthen ties between China and the Gulf region, leading to more collaboration and mutual benefits.
Vsevolod
The process of building a multipolar world"? Sounds a lot more like "China's world" to me. China is just trying to replace the US as the dominant power.
Kenny McCormic
By working together, China and Bahrain can create a better future for their people and the entire region.
Eric Cartman
Let's hope this partnership will lead to greater collaboration and economic opportunities for both countries.