Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Xi wished the World Cup a complete success, saying that Qatar's successful hosting of the games, which demonstrates the country's competence, has injected fresh and positive energy into today's uncertain world.
Next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar. Xi said China is willing to take this opportunity to enrich the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote the relations to a new stage of development.
Xi said China firmly supports Qatar's efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and stability, and appreciates Qatar's support over the issues related to China's core interests.
China supports Qatar in advancing the Qatar National Vision 2030, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with Qatar to expand bilateral energy cooperation in such areas as natural gas, explore cooperation in renewable energy such as photovoltaics and wind power, and improve cooperation in finance and investments.
Xi said China welcomes more investments from Qatar and is willing to promote personnel exchanges between the two countries.
Noting that the Arab world is a key and independent force in the multipolar world, Xi said China appreciates Qatar in supporting and promoting the China-Arab cooperation as well as China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations, and China is willing to work with the Qatari side to elevate the cooperation to a higher level.
China welcomes Qatar to become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi said, adding that China is ready to maintain close communication with Qatar over international and regional issues.
Tamim thanked Xi for his good wish for the World Cup, saying that the world today needs the games to learn about the abilities and spirit of the Arab world.
He also noted that Chinese companies built the main stadium for the World Cup, and the arrival of two giant pandas added to the festive atmosphere of the games, saying that these have become a new name card for the friendship between Qatar and China.
Hailing the bilateral relations, Tamim said the two countries have achieved positive outcomes in areas including politics, economy, culture and sports. He stressed that Qatar firmly adheres to the one-China policy and opposes any interference in China's internal affairs.
Qatar won't set a limit on deepening the cooperation with China, according to Tamim. Instead, his country will increase investments in China and believes in greater development of the ties between the two countries. Qatar also appreciates China's fair stand over the Palestine issue.
The Qatari emir also wished the China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit a success.