Doha, 27 Sept. 2023
By Ashraf Siddiqui
Chen Yue, Charge d’Affaires of People’s Republic of China has said that both Qatar and China have sown trust and reaped unity since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in July 1988, over the past 35 years.
He was addressing at a gala reception hosted by him celebrating the 74th National Day of his country and 35th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between both the countries.
Present on the occasion were HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Municipality;
Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of IPA Qatar; HE Maha Al Ruwaili, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; HE Saleh Al Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; HE Hassan Bin Al Ghanem, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Commander of the Center for Strategic Studies, Pilot Dr. Maj. Gen. Rashid Hamad al-Nuaimi; HE Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Director of Department of Protocol of Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, Ambassador of the State of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; HE Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the State of Qatar and Chairman of Asian Ambassador’s Group in Doha; diplomats, dignitaries, large number of members of Chinese community and guests.
Yue said that key to this relationship is the frequent high-level exchanges, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and HH the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani, meeting five times in a decade has set the course for the development of China-Qatar relations.
Moreover, recent visits such as a successful visit by a CPC delegation to Qatar; participation of Qatari youth in a ‘Chinese Bridge’ summer camp in Beijing; Qatari Traders participation in various trade fairs, expos and exhibitions; presently large contingent of Qatari athletes’ participation in 2023 Asian Games being held in Hangzhou, among many a more witness close bilateral relations between both the countries.
In terms of trade relations, Yue expressed satisfaction with the mutually beneficial cooperation, revealing that trade volume between Qatar and China reached US$ 26.55 billion last year, marking a significant year-on-year growth of 54.7%. He proudly stated that China has been Qatar’s largest trading partner for three consecutive years and the top source of imports and destination for exports.
Beyond trade, both countries have made strides in various fields, including economy, trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, high-tech industries, and green initiatives. Chinese technology and brands, from Lusail Stadium to Honggi automobiles, are flourishing in Qatar, he said.
Culturally, Yue highlighted the increasing interest in Chinese language and culture among young Qataris. Doha has become a must visit destination for Chinese tourists, and the presence of giant pandas ‘Thuraya’ and ‘Suhail’ in Qatar has added a unique dimension to the cultural exchange.
He said that the upcoming Sixth China-Arab Friendship Conference in Qatar is poised to further strengthen bilateral ties between China and the region.
Yue underscored the strategic mutual trust between the two nations, emphasizing their unwavering support for each other on core issues and major concerns.Both countries are actively involved in close coordination and cooperation on significant international and regional matters.
Reflecting on the historic maritime connection between China and Qatar, Yue recalled Chinese merchant ships sailing from Guangzhou Part to the Arabian Peninsula over 1300 years ago. This historical relationship, symbolized by the exchange of pearls and goods, has evolved into a modern-day friendship.
As China celebrates it’s 74th National Day, Yue acknowledged the country’s remarkable achievements and transformation over the years. With imports and exports exceeding 20 trillion Chinese Yuan for the first time in Chinese history, successful projects like the C919 aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight, and substancial growth in exports of new energy vehicles and technologies, Chinese economy demonstrates resilience and potential, providing crucial support for global economic development.
Yue also highlighted China’s global development initiatives, including ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, which has attracted substantial investment and created job opportunities, and the Global Development Initiative, which has gained international praise for delivering tangaable benefits to nations.
In conclusion, Yue expressed the confidence of 1.4 billion Chinese people as they stride towards the second centenary goal, showcasing China’s commitment to global development and cooperation.
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