October 2018 41 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview You recently wrote in the GDN about the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative, can you tell us how this will eventually affect this part of the world? China, as the world’s second largest economy, now contributes over 30 per cent to the world’s economic growth. In the past few years, China and the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have worked together to promote regional economic development and the recovery of the world economy. Joint contributions and the shared benefits of the Belt and Road development have expanded two-way trade and investment – trade between China and the Belt and Road countries has totalled more than USD5 trillion. Development opportunities actually lie in bilateral investment, trade and personnel exchanges. Countries along the Belt and Road, as well as other cooperation partners, are mostly developing countries. There are, however, also developed countries, emerging economies and high-income oil-exporting nations. They all have their unique advantages, be it in capital, technology, management, labour, resources or market. Most importantly, the Belt and Road Initiative can utilise their complementaries and share opportunities for development among the countries. You have mentioned in meetings with highlevel officials your intention to build on Bahraini-Chinese relations. How do you propose to achieve this? Are there any cultural events planned or any high-level visits by either country? Since I assumed my mission on April 19, 2018, I have presented my credentials to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and a copy of my credentials to HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs. I have also met with more than 70 senior officials in the Kingdom. During my time as Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, I will join hands with the Bahraini government and all the friends in Bahrain to promote our bilateral, friendly, cooperative relations to a new level. I am full of confidence for the bright future and prospect of China-Bahrain relations. Bahrain attaches importance to China’s rising international status and influence and is eager to strengthen cooperation with China on international and multilateral affairs, to enhance coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues with common concerns, and safeguard our common interests. At the invitation of HE Wang Yi, State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing in July. HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa will also attend the Fourth Arab Festival in China in October, 2018. We will continue to promote high-level bilateral visits. And the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China is planning to send a Chinese art troupe to perform in Bahrain to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In recent years, the number of Chinese enterprises investing in Bahrain has risen rapidly.” The Belt and Road Initiative is a development strategy adopted by the Chinese government. The ‘belt’ refers to the overland interconnecting infrastructure corridors — the Silk Road Economic Belt component. The ‘road’ refers to the sea route corridors — the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road component. The initiative focuses on connectivity and cooperation between Eurasian countries, primarily, and China. Promoting Chinese culture at the recent Mid-Autumn festival His Excellency addresses the audience
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==