China's top diplomat holds talks with Qatari PM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Qatar, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Qatar strategic partnership has made considerable progress.

Noting that China firmly supports Qatar in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, security and stability, Wang expressed the belief that Qatar will continue to offer firm support on issues concerning China's core interests.

He added that China is the most reliable and long-term partner in Qatar's development process and is willing to maintain communication and cooperation with Qatar on international and regional affairs.

Al Thani said Qatar firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes external interference in China's internal affairs and is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China under the United Nations and other frameworks, safeguard multilateralism and promote international peace and common development.

On energy cooperation between China and Qatar, Wang said both sides should consolidate and expand cooperation in both traditional and new energy sectors.

Noting that China is Qatar's largest trading and energy partner, Al Thani said the Qatari side will overcome difficulties to prioritize ensuring energy supplies to China.

Wang said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf region are severely undermining the security of regional countries and continuously impacting energy, shipping and supply-chain stability.

China stands ready to step up communication and coordination with Qatar and other parties in the region and supports regional countries in holding their own future and destiny firmly in their hands, restoring regional peace and stability at an early date, and establishing a just and equitable new regional security architecture.

Al Thani said that Qatar appreciates China's objective and impartial stance, supports China's initiatives for promoting security in the Middle East and stands ready to strengthen coordination with China to safeguard the security of global energy supply and explore a security architecture that embodies the spirit of independence.