In continuation of the negotiations conducted by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the State of China on free trade and on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the founding of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as the 40th anniversary of the establishment of relations with the People’s Republic of China, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Nayef Al-Hajraf, met with State Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi on the 24th of this March During the meeting, Wang Yi confirmed that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Over the past 40 decades, the Council has played an important role in promoting the economic and social development of member states, and has become a more dynamic regional organization in the Middle East and the Gulf. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of relations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, as the relations between the two sides have made great strides during the past 4 decades to reach a new historical starting point, and China is keen to seize the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the two sides to discuss ways to raise the level of relations Resolutely strengthening mutual support and safeguarding the sovereignty of both sides and deepening mutual cooperation in all fields based on the long-term strategic perspective. We also hope to complete negotiations between the two sides on a free trade agreement between China and the GCC countries as soon as possible, in a way that supports the GCC countries to face the downward pressure To the global economy and achieve economic recovery as soon as possible, and China is ready to enhance cooperation with the GCC countries in combating the pandemic and building a healthy society for all as a dear friend of the GCC countries, and China is keen to play a constructive role in maintaining the security of the region.
For his part, Nayef Al-Hajraf said that relations between the GCC countries and China are based on mutual trust and mutual respect. Both the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states highly appreciate the strategic cooperation with China, and the Council is keen to work together with China to create a better future. China tops the list of countries with which the Council will resume negotiations on a free trade agreement, with the hope of completing the negotiations between the two sides at the earliest day possible, and strengthening cooperation in the digital economy and modern technology fields to achieve mutual benefit and win-win. In addition, the Council supports China’s efforts to combat the pandemic and is willing to benefit from China’s advanced experiences in epidemic prevention and control.
It is worth noting that the Chinese-Gulf relations are witnessing a broad recovery in various fields, most notably the economic field, which records an increasing activity every year.