BEIJING – China’s foreign minister has urged the Gulf Cooperation Council to wrap up its protracted negotiations on a free trade agreement with Beijing, citing growing protectionism and unilateralism as free trade comes “under attack,” the foreign ministry said on Monday.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a three-country tour of the Middle East that began in the United Arab Emirates and is due to conclude in Jordan. He met GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh on Sunday, alongside separate meetings with senior Saudi officials.
Noting that negotiations have dragged on for more than two decades, Wang said the groundwork across all areas was largely complete and that the time had come to reach a final decision.
He added that a successful FTA would send a “strong signal” in support of multilateralism, while reaffirming China’s backing for the bloc’s efforts to enhance strategic autonomy, coordination and regional integration. Wang also said Beijing was keen to deepen cooperation with the GCC in areas including trade, investment and the broader economy.
Closer coordination with Saudi Arabia
China and Saudi Arabia also agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on regional and global issues, with Beijing praising Riyadh’s role in Middle East diplomacy and security, according to statements released after talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers.
Wang met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud in Riyadh on Sunday. A joint statement carried by China’s state news agency Xinhua did not detail specific areas of coordination, but highlighted China’s support for improved Saudi-Iran relations and both sides’ backing for a “comprehensive and just” resolution to the Palestinian issue.
China “appreciates Saudi Arabia’s leading role and efforts to promote regional and international security and stability,” the statement said.
Wang told his Saudi counterpart that Beijing views Saudi Arabia as a priority in its Middle East diplomacy and a key partner on the global stage. He also called for expanded cooperation in energy and investment, as well as in new energy and green transformation.
In a separate meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Wang said China was ready to act as the kingdom’s “most reliable partner” in its national revitalisation and to help inject greater stability to support peace and security in the region.
The two countries have also agreed to mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports, according to the joint statement.
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