China, Qatar reach consensus to deepen strategic partnership

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01:59

China and Qatar agree to deepen their strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and common development.

The consensus was reached on Thursday between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during the emir's visit to Beijing.

This is the emir's second visit to China. After a welcoming ceremony in the afternoon, the two leaders held talks on bilateral cooperation.

China supports Qatar to independently explore the development path in line with its national conditions, Xi said.

He added that China appreciates Qatar's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its firm support on China's core interests.

The Chinese president also encouraged the two countries to synergize their development strategy and jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), especially in fields such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and investment.

He also emphasized the importance of boosting regional cooperation and maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role in accordance with the wishes of the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Xi said the two sides will continue to boost cooperation in tourism, culture, sports and media exchanges, especially in supporting each other to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

During the meeting, Tamim extended his sincere New Year greetings to President Xi and the Chinese people.

He noted that Qatar was one of the first countries to support the BRI when it was launched in 2013.

Qatar has full confidence in the Chinese economy, Tamim said, noting his country is willing to cooperate with China in a wide range of areas.

The performance of Chinese companies in Qatar is commendable, he said, adding Chinese companies are welcome to invest in the country.

He also said that Qatar is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in anti-terrorism and anti-extremism.

After the meeting, they jointly witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.

(CGTN's Su Yuting also contributed to the story.)