Bahrain-China ties ‘growing steadily’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The depth of the distinguished Bahraini-Chinese friendship is growing steadily thanks to the good relations between His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and President Xi Jinping of China.

This was emphasised by Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal during a virtual meeting she held with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC), Li Zhanshu. The two lawmakers discussed ways to bolster bilateral relations across various fields.

The Speaker informed her Chinese counterpart about Bahrain’s business-friendly atmosphere, noting that the Kingdom welcomes the Chinese investments in all fields.

The two sides exchanged invitations for reciprocal parliamentary delegations’ visits to pave the way for the two countries to achieve more rapprochement, cooperation and coordination.

They discussed the parliamentary efforts to enhance bilateral economic, trade and investment relations, based on China’s advanced industrial production and exportation. Likewise, the Chinese official was briefed about Bahrain’s distinguishing features, including its advanced financial centre, attractive and secure investment atmosphere, free and open economy and distinguished strategic location, in addition to its incentives to investors, including fair legislations, facilities and diverse services.

Peace and stability

Li appreciated the Kingdom and the role it is playing in achieving peace and stability for peoples of the region, thanks to the leadership of HM King Hamad, and the efforts exerted by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He expressed constant readiness to exert all efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Li affirmed that efforts are being made to encourage the Chinese companies to increase their investments in Bahrain, and broaden bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, infrastructure and e-commerce.

He reiterated China’s firm stance in rejecting all forms of foreign interference in Bahrain, or encroaching on its sovereignty, under the pretext of democratic or human rights practices. Li stressed China’s support for the Kingdom in everything that would serve its security and stability.

Exchanging expertise

Zainal commended the role played by the two friendly countries in achieving security, stability and development in the region and the world as well as their continuous endeavours to exchange expertise and legislative experiences.

This contributes to the development of the legal structure supporting various issues, especially regarding the settlement of disputes and conflicts in the region by peaceful and diplomatic means, rejection of violence and extremism, in addition to combating terrorism.

The Speaker affirmed the growing interest of the legislative branch in Bahrain in enhancing relations between the Kingdom and China. She highlighted the important agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.

Zainal expressed hope that the agreement on mutual exemption of holders of diplomatic, service and private passports from visas will be extended to cover all citizens.