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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Riyadh, December 16 (Xinhua) — China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), safeguard common interests, and jointly respond to the turbulent and changing international situation to make new contributions to the joint strengthening of the Global South. This was stated by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a meeting with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi on Sunday.
Wang Yi noted that China supports the GCC in strengthening strategic autonomy, unity and cooperation, practicing multilateralism, and advancing GCC integration. He expressed hope that both sides will continue to firmly support each other on issues affecting their core interests.
"As a responsible major country and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to play a constructive role in helping resolve regional hotspot issues and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East," Wang Yi assured.
He noted that negotiations on a free trade agreement between China and the GCC have been ongoing for over 20 years, the conditions are largely ripe, and the time has come to take the final decisive step. At a time when protectionism is gaining momentum, unilateralism is prevalent, and free trade is under threat, concluding a free trade agreement between China and the GCC countries would send a powerful signal in defense of multilateralism.
J. M. Al-Budaiwi, in turn, noted that the GCC countries maintain a deep friendship with China, which has always been and remains a reliable and trustworthy strategic partner. Relations between the GCC and China are developing at a high level.
He said the GCC looks forward to the speedy conclusion of a free trade agreement with China and has high hopes for the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-GCC Summit, both to be held in China next year. The GCC is committed to strengthening cooperation with China to ensure greater results at the summits.
He also said the GCC appreciates China's fair position on regional issues such as the Palestinian issue and its positive efforts to reduce regional tensions, including promoting reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, adding that the organization will continue to strengthen coordination with China on international and regional affairs to effectively safeguard common interests.
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