Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says firm mutual trust is the cornerstone of the China-Qatar strategic partnership. Wang made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting in Beijing with visiting Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Wang Yi said China firmly supports Qatar in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, security and stability. He also expressed confidence that Qatar will continue to provide firm support on issues concerning China's core interests. Wang called for the two sides to further consolidate and expand cooperation in traditional and new energy, while deepening collaboration in areas including investment, high technology and cultural exchanges.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said his country firmly stands with China, adheres to the one-China principle, and opposes external interference in China's internal affairs. He said Qatar supports the series of global initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the framework of the United Nations.
The two sides also held in-depth discussions on the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Wang Yi outlined the key propositions and initiatives put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain and advance peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as promote common security across the region. Wang emphasized that continued tensions in the Gulf and the broader Middle East have seriously affected the security of countries across the region, while disrupting the stability of energy supplies, shipping routes and global supply chains. He said conflict and pressure cannot provide a solution, and that dialogue and negotiation are the right path forward. Mohammed said Qatar is ready to strengthen coordination with China to help safeguard the security of global energy routes and restore peace and stability in the region as soon as possible.