Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Beijing on Jan. 31 and was warmly welcomed by China's President Xi Jinping. The meeting between the two leaders has been arranged in an effort to strengthen partnership for the development and benefit of their respective countries
According to Xinhuanet News, China is keen on improving communication with Qatar and acknowledge that this is the first step to develop deeper and better political mutual trust. It was added that President Xi Jinping fully supports Qatar in its exploration in going to its path of development based on what is right for its country.
Moreover, it was stated that Qatar's strong observance of one-China policy is very much appreciated by China. It also expressed its gratefulness for Qatar's support on many issues related to the Land of the Red Dragon's core interests.
The Gulf Times reported that President Xi Jinping and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's meeting agenda will include various Qatari investments in China and other economic-related issues that may touch on gas, clean energy, and other territories. Major issues on religion will also be discussed during the visit.
This is a historical meeting between Qatar's Emir and the Chinese president that Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the People's Republic of China, Dr. Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, even compared the event to His Highness' visit to China in 2014 that started the full strategic relation of the two countries.
It was further reported that both China and Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will foster cooperation in building business between the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Qatar National Tourism Council. The leaders hope that this will encourage both private and public sectors to invest.
Lastly, during the talks with Jinping and Al Thani, the latter openly expressed his willingness to increase Qatar's investment in China in the field of infrastructure and other interests. The joint investments between the countries actually grown in the last two years and this positive result were what pushed the Emir to invest more.
"We are ready to have bigger investments in China, in infrastructure or in any other field we see as important for us," Qatar's Emirs said. "We are happy to provide China with liquid gas and we are ready to provide China with more in the near future. I am very happy to be in China."
