Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held official talks with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing on Friday, as part of his state visit to China.
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that both sides discussed the trajectory of bilateral cooperation, which has reached an advanced level, and ways to enhance mutual cooperation and elevate it to broader horizons that serve the interests and goals of both countries and peoples.
King Hamad bin Isa praised the continuous development achieved by China in economic growth, comprehensive development, technological progress, and innovation, emphasizing Bahrain’s keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation to benefit from China’s advanced expertise in various fields.
He affirmed Bahrain’s pride, both leadership and people, in its longstanding historical relations with China, highlighting China’s high international standing as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its efforts to maintain international peace and security, and its consistent support for just Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian issue.
In this regard, he commended China’s position in the Security Council in support of a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the acceptance of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s wise approach in its development journey and international relations, and its efforts to promote the values of tolerance, humanitarian coexistence, and cultural communication.
He praised Bahrain’s hosting of the 33rd Arab Summit and its significant success in enhancing Arab cooperation at all levels.
Xi Jinping praised Bahrain’s steadfast Arab positions under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa and its commendable role in supporting Arab issues and strengthening joint Arab action, as well as its wise stances towards regional issues and efforts to bring about regional peace and stability.
During the talks, regional and international developments of mutual interest, as well as the latest developments in the Middle East, especially on the Arab scene, were discussed, including efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and provide humanitarian aid without obstacles to alleviate the suffering of the Gaza population.
Both sides emphasized the need for effective international action towards a peaceful process in the Middle East to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region, including Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution and international legitimacy, to ensure peace and stability in the region.
They also stressed the importance of the role of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security, settling global conflicts and disputes through dialogue and diplomatic negotiations, in accordance with the principles of international law, to ensure peace and stability for the peoples of the world, and to consolidate international efforts to address urgent international challenges and issues, including sustainable development, environment and climate change, food security, cyber security, terrorism and its financing, and nuclear non-proliferation.
