MANAMA: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ghanim bin Fadhul Al Buainain, who participated in the sixth session of the Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, highlighted the importance of enhancing two way communications.
The Forum was inaugurated by the Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs affirmed the importance of the historical relations between China and the Arab countries and the significance of promoting the process of communication between the Chinese people and the Arab peoples that established firm foundations in the history of integration and mutual learning among different civilizations over thousands of years and resulted in inheriting the spirit of peace, cooperation and openness, tolerance and integration and achieving mutual benefits made possible by the Silk Road generation after generation.
He stressed that the initiative of President Xi Jinping to revive the Silk Road embodies the harmonious co-existence between countries which differ in terms of social systems, religions and cultural beliefs, yet share the same commitment to cooperation and mutual gains.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs expressed the pride of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the successful relations between the kingdom and the Peoples Republic of China, noting the development of these relations at various levels, especially after the visit of His Majesty the King to China in September 2013, which resulted in the signing of several agreements, such as launching the” Confucius Institute” at the University of Bahrain as part of the cultural cooperation between the two sides.
He also noted that two countries celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations a few weeks ago, and commended the development of Chinese investment projects in Bahrain.
He said that Bahrain that was one of the key stops in China’s ancient trade route. He affirmed Bahrain’s support for the initiative of the Chinese President to revive the Silk Road on both land and sea which when activated will progress Arab-Chinese relations to new horizons of cooperation.
He reiterated the importance of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and its vital role in the development and consolidation and promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between China and the Arab countries making these relations a role model of development in the fields of economy, culture and personnel training, as well as political relations among nations that are based on the principles of common benefits and mutual interests and respect for sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs.
He noted that these principles are embraced by our peoples over the course of history because it makes for the foundation for relations between sovereign states, pointing out that we eagerly compete in the framework of this forum in order to progress and prosper and achieve common benefits and mutual interests, especially since both Arab and Chinese civilizations believe in dialogue and civilized coexistence among nations and peoples whatever their roots and varied beliefs maybe.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs referred to the challenges that threaten the security and stability of countries, most notably the phenomenon of terrorism in all its forms, origins and motives, stressing Bahrain’s condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist bombings that occurred in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China that were contradictive to religious values and human morality.
He stressed on the importance of finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis leading to the formation of a transitional governing body with executive powers and invited the Security Council to uphold its responsibilities to enforce a cease-fire in Syria and secure humanitarian aid access to the country.
He also affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s support of the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to hold the friends of Egypt conference.
The Prime Minister of the State of Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Arab Foreign Ministers and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Dr. Nabil Elaraby participated in the Forum as well.
The Forum issued three documents to develop and enhance China-Arab relations titled: the Beijing Declaration, the forum’s ten-year development plan (2014-2024), and the executive program for the forum through 2014-2016.
The Forum welcomed the “Civilisation in the service of Humanity” Conference, which was held in Bahrain from 5 – 6 May, 2014, and which called for building an alliance of civilizations where humanitarian values converge to counter hate speech, intolerance, extremism and terrorism.