Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China HE Cao Xiaolin has said that in December 2022, President Xi Jinping and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani outlined a strategic partnership, emphasising joint efforts to achieve national strategic development goals, with China pledging continued support for Qatar’s role in international and regional affairs.
The Chinese ambassador was addressing a reception hosted in his honour on his arrival in Qatar by the Chinese embassy coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. Present on the occasion were Hassan Jassim Al-Sayed, Assistant Undersecretary, Government Information Technology Sector, Minister Advisor & Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Committee; HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director, Department of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar (MoFA); HE Ambassador Dr Khalid Fahad Al-Khater, Director of Policy and Planning Department, MoFA; Saleh Al-Mana, Director of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements Department, Ministry of Commerce and Industry; HE Ambassador Mohamed Al-Dehaimi, Ambassador of Qatar to People’s Republic of China; Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, leader of HBA Private Trading and Contracting; ambassadors, dignitaries, guests, and members of the Chinese community.
Praising the relations between the people of China and Qatar, the Chinese envoy said that since his arrival in the first week of January in Doha, he’s been impressed by Qatar’s prosperity, safety, thriving economy, and active diplomacy.
While expressing eagerness for enhanced cooperation, he said that Qatari people cherish relations between the two countries. “The commitment to friendly ties is a shared belief in both the Qatari government and society,” he said, adding: “China and Qatar, as good friends, brothers and partners, have maintained strong relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1988. The 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership showcases the fruitful progress achieved through mutual trust, support, and cooperation.”
He said the leaders of the two countries, President Xi Jinping and the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have met four times, resulting in crucial consensus. “This has led to deepened cooperation, with China becoming Qatar’s largest trading partner and a significant contributor to its economic and social development,” he said.
Ambassador Xiaolin said that in the face of global challenges, China remains committed to building a global community with a shared future. “President Xi advocates lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, and openness,” he said, adding that China continues to play a key role in peace talks and conflict resolution, including facilitating the restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
He said that China’s commitment to open development is evident in successful events like the Third Belt and Road Forum, contributing over 30 percent to global economic growth for more than a decade. The Qatari business community recognizes the importance of cooperating with China for future investment.
The Chinese envoy extended his greetings to the leadership and people of Qatar and the guests on the occasion of celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year of Dragon. He said he was looking forward to furthering exchanges and collaborations with Qatari friends in various fields.
