BEIJING: TRENDS Research and Advisory in collaboration with the China International Communications Group (CICG) organised a panel discussion titled “China and the GCC States: Strengthening Cooperation and Partnership” at the Beijing International Book Fair 2024 in Beijing.
The event – attended by Hussein Ibrahim Al-Hammadi, Ambassador of the UAE to the People’s Republic of China – featured a select group of experts and officials from both sides.
Experts, researchers, and academics affirmed the deep historical and cultural ties between the GCC countries and China, noting that these relations are witnessing remarkable growth and serve as a model for international cooperation based on mutual respect and shared benefits.
The panellists discussed various fields of cooperation between China and the GCC countries, emphasising the importance of enhancing cooperation to serve mutual interests and achieve sustainable development for both sides.
Held in the Events Centre at Beijing International Book Fair, the panel
discussion highlighted the strong cultural relations between China and the GCC countries, which date back centuries and encompass a wide range of sectors, including energy, investment, infrastructure, technology, culture, and innovation. It also stressed the importance of further efforts in the field of culture and the exchange between GCC and Chinese media and think tanks to reflect the depth of these relationships.
They also underscored the deep relations between the United Arab Emirates and China, noting that mutual respect and common interests are the foundation of this solid relationship.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, emphasised the importance of the historical and cultural relations between China and the GCC countries.
He noted that cooperation between the two sides has seen remarkable growth over the past decades, covering a wide range of sectors, including energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, innovation, technology, and culture.
Dr. Al-Ali pointed out tha
t cooperation in the energy sector remains the cornerstone of bilateral relations, affirming TRENDS’ significant interest in Chinese affairs, given China’s status as a rising major international power and its pivotal role in the global economy.
Yu Tao, Vice President of CICG, affirmed China’s commitment to building a community of shared future with Arab countries, highlighting the steady development of the strategic partnership between China and the GCC countries.
He emphasised CICG’s interest in developing relations with Arab countries across various fields, including culture, education, think tanks, and media, explaining that CICG annually publishes over 3,000 books in more than 40 languages, edits 36 magazines in 14 languages, and distributes books and periodicals in more than 180 countries and regions around the world.
Dr. Mi Jichao, Director of Director of Arabic Language School at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, stated that with the continued promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, econom
ic and trade cooperation between China and the GCC has become stronger and more robust, with trade volume between China and the GCC countries increasing rapidly.
Source: Emirates News Agency