China on Monday reiterated that it has no intention of seeking big-power intervention or geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East, confirming instead a desire to deepen investment and cooperative ties with Oman.

The remarks were made at talks between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi in Muscat, Oman. Wang is on an official visit to Oman on Sunday and Monday, the second to last stop on his tour of the Middle East.

During the meeting, the two sides signed a visa exemption agreement, reassured support for each other in their national development and vowed to enhance cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The agreement was signed together with other cooperation agreements on culture, media and health at talks between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, Wang highlighted the long-standing friendship between China and Oman, noting that the bilateral exchanges through the ancient Silk Road have already become a model for cultural exchanges between the Chinese civilization and Arab civilization.

The Chinese foreign minister hailed Oman's firm support on issues related to China's core interests and reiterated that the country, in return, will also back Oman in its efforts to defend its national sovereignty and social stability and advance its national development strategy.

Vowing to be Oman's most reliable cooperative partner, Wang said China is ready to push forward the strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level.

Wang called for joint efforts in enhancing integration between the BRI and Oman's Vision 2040 development strategy to step up cooperation in fields such as energy, investment, fishery, high-tech, sports and tourism.

China is ready to work with all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Oman, to advance the establishment of the China-GCC free trade area, said Wang.

Stressing that the Middle East belongs to the people of the region, Wang said Middle East issues should be settled through friendly consultation.

Noting that the region has suffered a lot from big-power intervention and geopolitical rivalry, Wang said China expects Middle Eastern countries could independently explore development paths suited to its regional realities and safeguard regional peace and stability under joint efforts.

China will firmly stand with the people of the Middle East and support countries in the region to realize long-term safety and prosperity, Wang said, adding that China also welcomes Oman's moderate and inclusive foreign policy.

We believe that Oman will play an exclusive role in regional peace and development, he said.

Badr, for his part, echoed Wang's words by hailing the sound development of the bilateral ties over the past 40 years.

Oman affirmed support for enhancing exchanges and cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese investment to all areas in Oman.

The Omani foreign minister also recognized China's contribution in balancing international power and hailed China's stance and its role in safeguarding regional security and international order.

Apart from signing the visa exemption document, the two foreign ministers also unveiled a monument of the famous Chinese navigator Zheng He, which will be built in the city of Salalah in commemoration of his symbolic visit to the Sultanate 600 years ago.

Wang also met with Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said on the same day.  During the meeting, Wang reiterated China's stance on safeguarding regional peace and stability and vowed to deepen bilateral ties and be the country's long-term strategic and cooperative partner.

The two sides agreed to enhance communication and exchanges under the principle of mutual trust and mutually beneficial.

At talks with Omani Minister of the Royal Office Sultan bin Mohammed al Nu'amani on Monday, Wang elaborated on China's independent foreign policy of peace which shares great similarity with Oman's, as it believes countries, no matter how big or small, should be treated equally.

Sultan spoke highly of friendship with China while reiterating Oman's stance of non-interference in other country's internal affairs.

He also pledged that the country will continue providing convenience for China's naval escort fleet.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi in Muscat, Oman, March 29, 2021. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)