Bahrain - China ties, cooperation set to expand

By Kawthar Lanbari Manama: April 7 – (BNA): The Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Li Xin emphasized the deep-rooted solid relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the People’s Republic of China which date back to thousands of years, citing their growth and development in various fields. The Ambassador said that diplomatic relations have officially been established on 15 April 1989 with the signing of a joint statement between the two friendly countries. China and Bahrain will celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of bilateral relations on April 15, Ambassador Li Xin said. The Chinese diplomat highlighted the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister to the People’s Republic of China in 2002 and the official state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in 2013. He said that His Majesty the King has laid down new foundations which added a strong push to the bilateral relations between China and Bahrain. The Ambassador cited the mutual political trust and cooperation at international functions and compatibility of views regarding issues of human rights and workers’ rights. The Chinese diplomat praised the level of cultural and educational cooperation in major areas between the two countries. He said that agreements have been signed between both sides which boosted cultural cooperation and mutual visits as well as a variety of cultural activities in which both sides participate, for instance Bahrain always participated in Arab Arts Festivals in China and likewise Chinese artistic troupes over the past years participated in cultural events organized by the Ministry of Culture in Bahrain for example the Spring of Culture Festival in Manama. Numerous Chinese troupes visited Bahrain, including the Children Arts Band which visited Bahrain and the Chinese Ballet Band will visit Bahrain next week. China also grants ten scholarships to Bahraini students every year to pursue their higher studies in Chinese universities. He said that now there are about five hundred Bahraini students in Chinese universities studying at their own expense in Chinese colleges of engineering, medicine and business management, etc. The Ambassador said that a new accomplishment is anticipated in mid-April when the Confucius Institute for teaching Chinese language will be opened at the University of Bahrain. The Institute was named after the renowned Chinese philosopher Confucius, he explained. He said that bilateral cooperation relations are experiencing fast developments and he aspired for more development of these relations, especially as there is tendency to learn Chinese language in Bahrain which means more fast development. He said that of course China and Bahrain exchange mutual support regarding issues of basic interest. He said that China backs Bahrain in maintaining its security and stability. He said that China backs the on-going reforms and national dialogue initiated by His Majesty the King. China also backs Bahrain in its efforts to maintain its stability. China rejects all acts of violence and terrorism which is a global phenomenon. He added that both China and Bahrain mutually respect each other and reject all sorts of external meddling in their internal affairs. China also rejects any foreign interference in its own internal affairs. The Chinese community in Bahrain is made up pf around 1,000 members, the diplomat said, citing their good contribution in promoting amicable interaction between both countries. Most of the Chinese community members work in Chinese or overseas companies in Bahrain. On the occasion of celebrating 25 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Ambassador said that there is a series of activities, including a reception party to be hosted by the Chinese Embassy on this occasion. There will also be a Chinese Cultural Week to be organized in cooperation between the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the Bahraini Ministry of Culture on April 10 at the Art Centre as well as a photography exhibition to illustrate the development of bilateral relations and the Chinese Silk Fair. Upon invitation form the Shura Council, a Chinese delegation will visit Bahrain to participate in the Bahrain-China Relations Forum marking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Chinese Embassy and the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also have a special ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Chinese Ambassador said.