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QNA
Doha
THE first round of strategic dialogue between the governments of the State of Qatar and the People’s Republic of China was held in Beijing on Wednesday, where the two sides held comprehensive talks on bilateral relations in economic, security, cultural and tourism fields.
The Qatari side was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, while the Chinese side was led by State Councilor and Foreign Minister
Wang Yi.
Both sides stressed the importance of strengthening their partnership, coordinating positions on regional issues and enhancing cooperation in international
organisations.
They discussed the exchange of information on available investment opportunities, signing investment agreements, attracting capital by entering into Qatari-Chinese partnerships in various fields, as well as strengthening opportunities to further boost 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 Qatar and 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 will 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 in the field of tourism and culture as a means of increasing communication between the peoples of the two 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, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani said that this dialogue reveals the strength and depth of relations between Qatar and China.
He 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.
He 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 will open wider prospects for strengthening relations and cooperation in all fields for the benefit of our two friendly countries
and peoples.
Sheikh Mohammed 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 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 centre, in addition to good security and military cooperation.”
He also praised the positive stance of China towards 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.
He stressed that 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.
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13/12/2018
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