China is ready to work with the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday.

Wang made the pledge when he met with GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf and ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain as well as representatives from Qatar and Oman on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

China appreciates the GCC's support of justice on issues related to China's Taiwan region, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and human rights, and understanding of China's legitimate requests, said Wang.

He added that China will continue to firmly support the GCC countries in safeguarding their sovereignty, independence, security and stability, in promoting the process of integration, and oppose any country's interference in their internal affairs. 

The GCC side said they firmly adhere to the one-China policy and support China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Both sides expressed hope in ensuring food and energy security, and stabilizing supply chains, and agreed to reach a free trade agreement as soon as possible and cooperate on other global challenges.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf and ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain as well as representatives from Qatar and Oman in New York, U.S., September 19, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)