HM King hails China’s global stature and economic growth

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa acknowledged China’s global stature and its remarkable achievements in addressing the challenges of globalisation, while preserving its cultural identity and its accelerating economic progress. HM the King commended China’s generous assistance to developing countries, which reflects its commitment to fostering prosperity and human dignity across the world.

HM King Hamad delivered a keynote address yesterday in the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing. The event, a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, unfolded amidst His Majesty’s state visit to China, underscoring the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and solidarity.

The session commenced with the inauguration by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who warmly welcomed Arab leaders, signaling China’s dedication to bolstering ties with Arab nations. His Majesty expressed optimism for the future of Arab-Chinese cooperation, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and solidarity.

Central to HM the King’s address was a call for concerted efforts to advance peace and stability in the region. “Here, we must laud the unified vision of the Arab leaders to support and develop regional and international cooperation for peace and development, work to end all conflicts, maintain regional security and stability, and protect freedom of maritime navigation and international trade to preserve the interests of all countries of the world,” HM the King said.

International cooperation

Emphasising the urgency of resolving conflicts and upholding maritime security, His Majesty urged international cooperation to address the Palestinian issue. Bahrain’s readiness to host an international peace conference underscored its commitment to facilitating dialogue and fostering sustainable solutions.

“We stress the need to intensify diplomatic efforts for full international recognition of Palestine and grant it full membership in the United Nations,” HM King Hamad noted. “We express great appreciation for the supportive stances of the People’s Republic of China towards just Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, and its tangible efforts to alleviate the human suffering of the civilians of Gaza, emanating from its full commitment to backing their endeavours and unifying their positions to establish their independent country.

His Majesty echoed sentiments of gratitude for the invitation and admiration for the enduring bonds between Arab and Chinese civilisations. At the heart of his speech was the unwavering support for the One China policy, emphasising respect for China’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

This principled stance reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment to upholding international norms and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. As the forum commemorated its 20th anniversary, HM the King lauded the collective achievements in Arab-Chinese relations, attributing success to collaborative efforts and joint action plans.

Tangible results

Summits such as the Arab-Chinese Summit and the China-GCC Summit have yielded tangible results, fostering cooperation across various sectors and solidifying strategic alliances. The Bahrain Summit, a recent milestone, provided a platform to address pressing regional issues and formulate ambitious initiatives.

HM King Hamad highlighted the summit’s focus on humanitarian aid, educational and healthcare services, and financial technology development. These initiatives underscore Bahrain’s proactive approach to addressing socio-economic challenges and promoting inclusive growth.