Beijing – Information Office – 12 December
The first round of strategic dialogue between the governments of the State of Qatar and the People's Republic of China was held today in Beijing, where the two sides held comprehensive talks on bilateral relations in economic, security, cultural and tourism fields.
The Qatari side was chaired by HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, while the Chinese side was headed by HE State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening their partnership, coordinating positions on regional issues and increasing cooperation in international organizations.
They discussed exchanging information on available investment opportunities, signing agreements in the field of investment, attracting capital by entering into Qatari-Chinese partnerships in various fields, as well as strengthening opportunities to further bilateral cooperation in the financial services sector, including the banking and insurance sector and capital markets.
During the talks, an operational plan for cooperation between the State of Qatar and the People's Republic of China was announced in the framework of the implementation of the "Belt and Road" initiative, in addition to announcing the entry of agreement on exempting citizens of both countries from visa requirements into force on December 21, 2018.
The two sides welcomed cooperation in the civil aviation field and to look into increasing the number of flights between the two countries. They also welcomed the strategic cooperation in the field of energy and called for discussion of new projects.
The two sides stressed the importance of developing cooperation between them in the field of tourism and culture as a means of increasing communication between the two peoples in both countries.
At the end of the first round of strategic dialogue, the two governments agreed to hold the second round of strategic dialogue between the two countries in Doha next year.
In his speech during the opening of the first round of strategic dialogue, HE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that this dialogue reveals the strength and death of relations between the State of Qatar and the People's Republic of China.
His Excellency stressed that this dialogue will give the two countries an annual opportunity to exchange views, promote these relations in various fields to serve mutual benefits and common interests, and consult on regional and international situations and issues of common concern.
His Excellency explained that the mechanism of this dialogue will be an important extension of all mechanisms of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, expressing his confidence that the round of dialogue today will open wider prospects for strengthening relations and cooperation in all fields for the benefit of our two friendly countries and peoples.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two friendly countries, during which the two countries have entered into true partnership and cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed to the partnership and cooperation with China on the belt and road initiative, adding "We have set up a committee representing the relevant State bodies to coordinate with the Chinese side, besides the strategic partnership in the field of energy and trading the Chinese currency (the yuan) for which we opened a clearing center, in addition to good security and military cooperation."
In this context, His Excellency praised the positive stance of the People's Republic of China towards the State of Qatar during the current crisis in the Gulf and the continued call for all parties to sit at the negotiating table to maintain security and stability in the Gulf.
His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar supports China in defending its territorial integrity and enhancing its security and stability against anyone who tries to tamper with it. He also referred to the two countries' partnership at the Asian level in the CICA and the Asian Dialogue, and the membership of the Asian Investment Bank in Infrastructure.