Bahrain-China ties hit new milestone

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, yesterday expressed strong confidence in Bahrain’s ability to promote development and renaissance across the Arab world, as he laid out a grand welcome to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, marking HM’s first visit to China in 11 years.

During discussions, the re-establishment of Bahrain-Iran relations, Israel's withdrawal from occupied Arab territories, the formation of an independent Palestinian state, and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip were given significant emphasis.

Commending Bahrain’s approach to international relations and development, Xi Jinping praised the nation's successful hosting of the 33rd Arab Summit, highlighting its role in enhancing Arab cooperation.

Xi Jinping also acknowledged Bahrain’s steadfast stance on Arab issues and its efforts to promote joint Arab action, attributing it to King Hamad's commitment to regional peace and stability.

In response, King Hamad reiterated Bahrain’s dedication to fostering peace, tolerance, and coexistence in the region.

HM emphasised the importance of providing people in the region with a decent standard of living, access to healthcare, and basic education. Moreover, King Hamad urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action to halt the conflict in Gaza and bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

HM welcomed China’s position in recognising Palestine as a full member state of UN.

It’s worth nothing that King’s visit to China follows discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Middle East peace in Moscow and Bahrain's chairing of the 33rd session of the Arab Summit. It also coincides with Bahrain's participation in the tenth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where GCC leaders are also present.

Among the delegation were Tunisian President Kais Saied and the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

21-gun-salute, direct flights

Earlier upon arrival, Xi received HM with a 21-gun-salute, as they inspected a guard of honour. Xi Jinping welcomed King Hamad as an "old friend of the Chinese people" and emphasized the special importance of the visit for strengthening bilateral ties.

King Hamad highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries, dating back to the 1970s, recalling Bahrain's first shipment of aluminium to China during that period.

Furthermore, King Hamad announced the commencement of direct flights by Gulf Air to Shanghai and Guangzhou and expressed gratitude to China for its support for Bahrain's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

GCC-China free trade zone

His Majesty urged Xi Jinping to expedite negotiations between the Gulf Cooperation Council and China to establish a free trade area, aiming to enhance trade and investment between the regions.

Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

The meeting, attended by Bahraini and Chinese delegates, explored avenues for enhancing bilateral ties and discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Talks also focused on efforts for establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and delivering aid.

Palestinian state

Both sides emphasised the urgency of concerted international efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Discussions focused on key components such as Israel's withdrawal from occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Additionally, they underscored the importance of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. Later, in honour of King Hamad, the Chinese President held a dinner.