During a historic visit to China, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was warmly received by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit, marking HM’s first in 11 years, symbolizes the strong relationship between Bahrain and China, dating back to the 1970s. The discussions between the two leaders focused on various key issues, including the re-establishment of Bahrain-Iran relations, Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Arab territories, the formation of an independent Palestinian state, and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
President Xi Jinping expressed confidence in Bahrain’s ability to promote development and renaissance across the Arab world, commending the nation’s approach to international relations and development. He praised Bahrain for successfully hosting the 33rd Arab Summit and highlighted its role in enhancing Arab cooperation. Additionally, Xi Jinping acknowledged Bahrain’s steadfast stance on Arab issues and King Hamad’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
In response, King Hamad reiterated Bahrain’s dedication to fostering peace, tolerance, and coexistence in the region. He emphasized the importance of providing people in the region with a decent standard of living, access to healthcare, and basic education. King Hamad also called upon the international community and the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action to halt the conflict in Gaza and bring an end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The visit to China follows discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Middle East peace in Moscow and Bahrain’s chairing of the 33rd session of the Arab Summit. It also coincides with Bahrain’s participation in the tenth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, where GCC leaders are present. The delegation includes Tunisian President Kais Saied and the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Upon arrival in China, Xi Jinping welcomed King Hamad with a 21-gun salute, emphasizing the special importance of the visit for strengthening bilateral ties. King Hamad highlighted the longstanding relationship between Bahrain and China, dating back to the 1970s when Bahrain sent its first shipment of aluminium to China. He announced the commencement of direct flights by Gulf Air to Shanghai and Guangzhou and expressed gratitude to China for its support for Bahrain’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
During the meeting, both leaders explored avenues for enhancing bilateral ties and discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest. They emphasized the urgency of concerted international efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region, focusing on key components such as Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Arab territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Furthermore, they underscored the importance of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security. In honor of King Hamad, President Xi Jinping hosted a dinner, further solidifying the strong bonds between Bahrain and China.
