Xi Jinping Meets with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati

On the evening of December 9, 2022 local time, President Xi Jinping met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Riyadh.

President Xi pointed out that China and Lebanon enjoy traditional friendship and have always supported each other. Last year, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. China will make joint efforts with Lebanon to promote the development of China-Lebanon friendly and cooperative relations. China firmly supports Lebanon in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Lebanon in preserving national security and stability, opposes interference by external forces in Lebanon's internal affairs, and will continue to speak up for Lebanon on international multilateral occasions. China is ready to work with Lebanon in deepening Belt and Road cooperation and encourage capable Chinese enterprises to participate in Lebanon's economic and social development.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China will continue to faithfully fulfill its peacekeeping mission and contribute to maintaining peace in Lebanon. China is ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Lebanon on international multilateral occasions to safeguard international fairness and justice. China appreciates Lebanon's active promotion of collective cooperation between China and Arab countries. China will work with Lebanon to take the first China-Arab States Summit as a new starting point to deepen cooperation between China and Arab states in various areas, and work together to build a China-Arab community with a shared future.

Mikati said that President Xi Jinping is a great leader of today's world, who has led China to remarkable achievements. Although Lebanon is a small country, it has a strong willingness to develop relations with China. Lebanon thanks China for its help in maintaining the Arab country's national peace and security, and has always abided by the one-China principle. Lebanon expects to enhance cooperation with China in such fields as solar energy and electric power, and welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and conduct business in Lebanon.

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