Xi Jinping Meets with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

On the morning of December 9, 2022 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Riyadh.

Xi Jinping first wished the Qatar World Cup a complete success, noting that Qatar's successful hosting of the World Cup, which demonstrates the country's competence, has injected fresh and positive energy into today's uncertain world. Next year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar. China is ready to take this opportunity with Qatar to enrich the China-Qatar strategic partnership, and take the China-Qatar strategic partnership to a new level.

Xi Jinping noted that China firmly supports Qatar in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and stability and appreciates Qatar's valuable support for China on issues concerning China's core interests. China supports Qatar in advancing its National Vision 2030, and is ready to expand cooperation with Qatar in natural gas and other traditional energy sectors as well as photovoltaic, wind and other renewable energy sectors, and upgrade bilateral cooperation in the fields of finance and investment. China welcomes more investment from Qatar and is ready to actively promote personnel exchanges. The Arab world is an important independent force in today's multipolar world. China appreciates Qatar's consistent efforts to support and promote the cooperation between China and the Arab States and between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and stands ready to work with Qatar to take the relations between China and the Arab States and between China and GCC countries to new levels. China welcomes Qatar to become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and is will maintain close communication with Qatar on international and regional issues.

Tamim thanked President Xi Jinping for his good wish for the Qatar World Cup and said that the world today needs the Qatar World Cup to learn about the abilities and spirit of the Arab world. Chinese companies built the main stadium for the Qatar World Cup, and the arrival of two pandas added to the festive atmosphere of the World Cup. These have become a new name card for the friendship between Qatar and China. Qatar-China relations have been developing very well and positive results have been achieved in the fields of politics, economy, culture and sports. Qatar firmly adheres to the one-China policy and opposes external interference in China's internal affairs. This is Qatar's firm position that will remain unchanged. Qatar will not set curbs on deepening cooperation with China and will increase investment in China. Tamim held the belief that Qatar-China relations will surely achieve greater development. Qatar appreciates China's long-standing impartial position on the Palestinian question and other issues. Tamim expressed the belief that the first Arab States-China Summit and the GCC-China Summit to be held this afternoon will surely be a success.

Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and He Lifeng, among others, were present at the event.