Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
CHINA'S Ambassador to Qatar HE Li Chen has expressed confidence in seeing more Chinese tourists coming to Qatar in the near future.
Li Chen made the statement during the reception held on Wednesday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar.
According to the envoy, last year more than 45,000 Chinese tourists visited Qatar marking a sharp increase of up to 26 percent compared to the previous year. In addition, he said the two countries recently reached an agreement on comprehensive visa exemption for the citizens of both countries.
"This reflects the high-level of development of China-Qatar relations and the goodwill of the two countries to commit themselves to a sustainable bilateral relationship. This is also a gift for the two peoples on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Journey at any time will soon become a reality between the two countries," said Li Chen.
The official also cited Qatar Airways' direct flights to seven cities of China and the exclusive programme of Qatar Tourism Authority to welcome Chinese people to show the growing ties between the two countries.
Furthermore, Li Chen underscored the deepening cooperation between the two countries in traditional fields such as energy, trade and infrastructure. He lauded the opening of new areas of cooperation between China and Qatar in communication, finance, investment and industry as well as their growing cooperation in security, anti-terrorism activities and military.
"Over the past 30 years, China and Qatar have made fruitful achievements through mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields. Trade volume between the two countries has increased from less than $50 million at the beginning of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1988 to $10.3 billion in 2017, realising a dramatic 200-fold growth," Ambassador Li Chen said.
"Currently, Qatar has become China's second largest source of LNG imports while China is Qatar's fourth largest trading partner and second largest source of imports. Chinese enterprises have participated in the construction of several strategic projects in Qatar such as the Hamad Port and the 2022 World Cup main stadium. Meanwhile, more Qatari companies are entering the Chinese market," he added.
In the international arena, the envoy mentioned the coordination and cooperation between China and Qatar to safeguard peace and stability in the region and in defending the interests of developing countries.
Li Chen also underlined the progress in China-Qatar cooperation in cultural exchanges such as the great success of 2016 China-Qatar Year of Culture.
"As the old Chinese saying goes,"At the age of 30, you can plant your feet firmly upon the ground." The China-Qatar relationship has been through a 30-year growth. Now bilateral ties have become more mature and stable and will be embracing better opportunities and broader prospects for development in the future. China is extending its opening up strategy and promoting the Belt and Road alternative. Qatar is also advancing its 2030 National Vision and is committed to economic, diversification and self-reliance. Under the current circumstances, China and Qatar are more sustainable than ever before to strengthen cooperation and work together to realise our glorious ambitions," he said.