Chinese FM, GCC officials discuss relations

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Tuesday exchanged views on the development of China-GCC relations.

The meeting with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed al-Khalifa and GCC Secretary General Abdulatif al-Zayani came on the sidelines of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.

China, said Yang, has always treated the relations with GCC countries from a long-term and strategic perspective and is satisfied with the positive momentum in the development of the relations.

"Developing friendly relations with the GCC countries is the established policy of China," Yang said, adding that China is willing to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields and further promote the relations.

The GCC officials said that it is of strategic significance that China and the GCC countries deepen their cooperation, which serves the common interest of the two sides.

The GCC and its member states, they added, will continue to actively participate in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, boost cooperation in various areas, and push forward the relations between China and the GCC.

Saudi Arabia currently holds the rotating presidency of the GCC. Bahrain is to take over the presidency next year.