GCC, China agree Mideast stability crucial for region, world

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China agreed Friday that preserving stability and peace in the Middle East was crucial for the region and the world, while calling for resumption of free trade negotiations. The two sides, in a final statement at the conclusion of a one-day session of the Third GCC-China Strategic Dialogue, voiced common desire to continue coordination and cooperation vis-a-vis regional and international affairs with the aim of deepening understanding between China and the six GCC countries: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The dialogue was co-chaired by Kuwait First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sies, said the statement, agreed to work towards a strategic partnership through solid dialogue and trust. They signed the plan of action for the years 2014-17 which would boost the cooperation in the political, economic, trade, energy, environment protection, climate change, culture, education, health and sport fields. The GCC and China agreed that the establishment of a free trade zone would benefit the two sides, saying they looked forward to resuming negotiations that would lead to the zone. Trade exchange between the two sides amounted to USD 150 in 2012. The Chinese side, meanwhile, commended the GCC efforts to maintaining peace and security in the region. China supported the GCC countries to push for development and stability in the region. The GCC also underlined important role of China vis-a-vis pressing issues in the Middle East and the Gulf regions. The two sides agreed to hold the fourth session of the dialogue in Doha, Qatar, in 2015.