Wang Yi Holds Talks with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani

On March 29, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani in Manama.

Wang Yi said, China and Bahrain enjoy a deep traditional friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have always trusted and supported each other. China appreciates Bahrain's precious support on the issues concerning China's core interests. China firmly supports Bahrain in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence, following its own path of development, and playing a more positive role in regional affairs. China opposes external interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain. In the face of the profound changes in regional and international landscape, China is willing to be Bahrain's long-term trusted and reliable partner, and work with Bahrain to adhere to the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, stop politicizing the issue of human rights, and uphold the legitimate rights of the two countries, and the development rights of the developing countries.

Wang Yi said, China stands ready to work with Bahrain to seek the greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China and Bahrain's 'Economic Vision 2030', deepen cooperation in fields such as energy, infrastructure, 5G mobile communication, e-commerce, and big data, and expand cooperation areas and space. China also supports Bahrain's efforts to diversify its economy. The signing of the China-Arab Data Security Cooperation Initiative between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and the Secretariat General of the League of Arab States sends a common message of the governance of digital economy. China will work with Bahrain to combat terrorism in all forms, especially rooting out terrorism through de-radicalization.

Wang Yi emphasized, China is willing to strengthen coordination with Bahrain in international and regional affairs for delivering more balanced and stable international relations. China never seeks its own gains in the Middle East, nor will it participate in geographical competition in the region. China hopes Middle East countries can treat and handle regional issues through taking themselves as the masters of their own fates. China believes the countries can find solutions to all problems as long as they can understand, support, and tolerate each other. As a good friend and partner with the countries in the Middle East, China stands ready to continuously play a constructive role to this end. China will work with Arab states including Bahrain to make good preparations for a China-Arab States Summit, and quicken the negotiation of China-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement, lifting the relations between China and Arab countries to a higher level.

Zayani said, the visit of Chinese foreign minister to the Middle East during the difficult period of the region, especially in the situation of fighting against the pandemic, reflects China attaches high importance to Middle East affairs and the security and stability of the region, and fully testifies the true friendship of the two countries. Bahrain firmly adheres to the one-China principle, supports China's safeguarding its sovereignty and opposes politicization of human rights issues. The Human Rights Council should not be used as a platform to interfere in other countries' internal affairs. Bahrain hopes the two sides will strengthen the synergy between Bahrain's 'Economic Vision 2030' and the Belt and Road Initiative, expand cooperation in fields such as trade, investment, energy, science and technology, and infrastructure, and further deepen Arab States' relations with China in the post-pandemic era. Bahrain appreciates China's precious support for its fight against the virus, and is willing to work with China to strengthen vaccine cooperation. Bahrain attaches importance to safety and health of Chinese expatriates in its country, and will continue to provide necessary support and assistance. Bahrain appreciates China's five-point initiative on achieving security and stability in the Middle East, and will maintain close coordination with China in international and regional affairs, deepen cooperation in combating terrorism and eradicating the root causes of terrorism, and jointly maintain regional peace and security. Bahrain supports the China-Arab States Summit, speaks highly of the China-Arab Data Security Cooperation Initiative proposed by China, and will work with China to promote the earlier establishment of China-GCC free trade area.

The two sides also held an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional issues of common concern.

After the talks, the two foreign ministers witnessed the Agreement on the Reciprocal Establishment of Cultural Centers in China and Bahrain and the implementation plan of the cultural cooperation between the two countries.