Bahrain and China Elevate Ties to ‘Strategic Partnership’

President Xi Jinping of China receives the King of Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Beijing. (BNA)

China and Bahrain agreed on Friday to elevate their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership marking a new phase of cooperation.
The agreement came during an official meeting between Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two sides reviewed ways to promote bilateral cooperation in various vital areas, particularly economy, trade, investment, and scientific sectors. They also discussed regional and international issues and developments, according to the Bahrain News Agency.
On Friday, a joint statement was issued in which the two sides expressed their satisfaction with the significant progress achieved in their bilateral relations.
They agreed to establish comprehensive strategic partnership relations and promote friendly cooperation in a manner that better serves the two peoples.
The Chinese side affirmed firm support for Manama's efforts to maintain the country's sovereignty, security, and stability, and categorically rejected any external forces interfering in Bahrain's internal affairs.
The Bahraini side emphasized its unwavering commitment to the One-China principle and its support for Beijing's efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Bahrain praised President Xi Jinping's initiatives on "Global Development," "Global Security," and "Global Civilization."
The Chinese and Bahraini sides emphasized the importance of maintaining the international system with the United Nations at its core, and upholding the international order based on international law and the fundamental principles of international relations founded on the principles of the UN Charter.
The two sides agreed to expand interactions between their governmental and parliamentary bodies, exchange experiences in administration and governance, strengthen policy coordination, and continue to solidify mutual political trust.
The two countries consider that continuing Sino-Bahraini cooperation within the framework of the "Belt and Road Initiative" aims to enhance development and prosperity between the two nations.
Both sides affirmed that maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the peoples in the region.
Bilateral Talks
The King of Bahrain affirmed during a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, his country's commitment to the path of peace to support stability in the region.
"As advocates of peace, tolerance, and human coexistence, we believe in the necessity of adopting a peaceful dialogue and diplomacy approach based on good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs”, said the King.
"We seek the return of diplomatic ties with Iran as a neighboring country, and we welcome your support for this endeavor to establish peace and restore stability in the region,” he added, stressing the need for joint efforts to swiftly address the repercussions of the Palestinian crisis.
The Bahraini King urged the international community and Security Council to take a “firm stance to stop the war on Gaza, paving the way to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
He commended China's positions in recognizing Palestine as a full member state in the United Nations, and for its clear interest and great support for just Arab causes.