GCC, China discuss strengthening cooperation and free trade negotiations

Riyadh, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighted that the Gulf-Chinese discussions focused on enhancing cooperation, building on strong relations and shared interests established during the first Gulf-Chinese Summit in Saudi Arabia in December 2022. The meeting was co-chaired by Li Qiang, Premier of China's State Council, and the GCC Secretary General. The meeting discussed enhancing free trade negotiations between GCC member states and China and finalising the agreement soon. The discussions also explored strengthening cooperation across various domains and implementing the Joint Action Plan for 2023-2027. The meeting also exchanged views on regional and international developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the serious and ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people. The Chinese side emphasised the necessity of working to achieve a ceasefire and implementing all relevant international and UN resolutions. Source: Bahrain News Agency