Beijing’s proposal to establish a China-Gulf Free Trade Zone

A statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Foreign Minister Qin Gang had a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that the two countries need to further expand cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, investment, finance and high technology.

Qin Gang said that China appreciates Saudi Arabia’s continuous support on issues related to its core interests. He highlighted the importance of continuously strengthening the China-Gulf strategic partnership and emphasized the need to build the China-Gulf Free Trade Zone as soon as possible.

According to the statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that Saudi Arabia considers relations with China as an important cornerstone of foreign relations and Saudi Arabia fully adheres to the One China principle.

According to Saudi Arabia’s official news agency SPA, the two leaders also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to promote security and stability.

The Saudi Foreign Minister congratulated Qin Gang on taking charge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that Saudi Arabia considers its relations with China as an important milestone in its foreign policy and wants to work together with China in the coming days.

He further said that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen mutual cooperation in various fields and take joint measures to protect the common interests of both countries. The Chinese Foreign Minister said that China is ready to strengthen partnership and cooperation with Saudi Arabia in regional and international affairs.

Qin Gang, who recently completed his tour of several African countries, also held telephone conversations with Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Voepke Hoekstra and Argentine Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero.