Qatar, 02 October, 2024 : The Chinese embassy in Qatar marked the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China on Monday, highlighting the growing friendship between China and Qatar. Ambassador Cao Xiaolin emphasized the deepening ties, noting that the relationship has evolved into a model of cooperation among developing countries.
Cao reflected on the long history of trade between the two nations, recalling that over 1,300 years ago, Chinese merchants sailed from Guangzhou along the Maritime Silk Road to the Arabian Peninsula. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership established between China and Qatar.
With significant developments guided by the leadership of President Xi Jinping and Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, bilateral trade has surged from $10.6 billion in 2014 to $24.5 billion in 2023, a 130% increase. Since 2020, China has been Qatar's largest trading partner and export destination, with Qatar now serving as China's second-largest source of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Ambassador Cao highlighted various collaborative projects, including new energy buses used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and contracts for LNG vessels signed this year. He also noted increased cultural exchanges, with more Qatari students learning Chinese and a significant rise in direct flights between the two countries.
The envoy announced that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Qatar reached 56,000 in 2023, marking a 240% increase year-on-year. He also celebrated the arrival of the first giant pandas in the Middle East, which have become symbols of friendship between the two nations.
Cao concluded by affirming China’s commitment to enhancing international economic cooperation and improving the lives of its citizens.
Source : www.zawya.com
