Chinese Ambassador to the State of Qatar, H E Zhou Jian (pictured) stated that the Qatari leadership have found a development path that suits Qatar’s reality, formulated its own political system, and realized political and social stability, adding that this is crucial to maintaining economic development, social openness, and peoples happiness.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the Ambassador extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Deputy Amir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the Qatari people on the occasion of the National Day.
He expressed his hope that Qatar hold a wonderful 2020 FIFA Club World Cup, accomplish greater achievements in its “Qatar National Vision 2030”, and make Qatar a more glorious pearl of the Gulf, a more lively oasis in the desert.
“Over the past few years, the brotherly Qatari people have made great progress in national development; its economy has been diversified at a rapid pace, and free zones in Qatar have been facilitating business and attracting investments”, he added.
He explained that the success of Qatar should first be attributed to the leadership of H H the Amir, who, out of the loyalty to his country and the sense of responsibility for his people, enhanced its economy diversity, so as to maintain comprehensive and sustainable development of the country’s economy. He pointed out that at present, Qatar is the largest LNG exporter of the world and a critical hub in the Gulf region and the Middle East, making positive contributions to global energy and security and the worlds economic development.
“The Qatari people are marching boldly forward to a bright future under the leadership of His Highness,” He added. He stated that the success of Qatar also belongs to the brave and hard-working Qatari people, explaining that they gained national independence and liberation with great sacrifices. “They welcome visitors with openness, making Qatar a paradise appealing to peoples from all over the world. The Qatari people have shown solidarity in overcoming numerous difficulties and risks. As a result, the “Qatar Cruise” is proceeding through waves and heading to the port of success,” he said.
He emphasised that although China and Qatar are geographically far apart, their friendly interactions date back centuries. He pointed out that the two nations are friends, brothers and partners, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, their bilateral relations have maintained sound and steady development under the guidance of the two countries leaders.
China and Qatar have always focused on enhancing mutual understanding and support on issues involving each others core interests and major concerns, and strengthening coordination on major international issues; both of countries are contributors to global peace and stability, as well as protecting the common interests of developing countries, the Ambassador said.
He explained that at the beginning of the diplomatic ties, the trade volume of China-Qatar was less than $50m, and it rose to $13.4bn in 2018, with an rapid increase of 260 times. China has become Qatar’s third largest trading partner and second largest source of imports. On the other hand, Qatar is China’s second largest source of LNG imports, he pointed out.
He pointed out that looking at the future, China-Qatar bilateral ties are standing at a new starting point with strategic opportunities. “We should enhance our cooperation mechanism with energy as the core, infrastructure as the key field, finance and investment as new starting points, forming a mutually beneficial and win-win relationship with strong complementarity and interlinked interests.”