High delegation Middle East arrives in China to discuss fuel agreements

Beijing / Riyadh – A high-level delegation comprising foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain has arrived in China. The delegation also includes the head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the main organization of the Gulf countries. Chinese sources said that the five-day visit would focus on fuel, free trade agreements, and strategic cooperation. As the Gulf delegation begins its tour, it has been reported that Iran’s foreign minister will also visit China this week.

China has emerged as the largest importer of fuel from the Gulf in recent years. While importing fuel, China has also taken steps to increase its influence in the Gulf. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China has undertaken several projects in the Gulf countries. Against the background of the Coronavirus pandemic, China had supplied vaccines to the Gulf countries. A few months ago, a project being set up by a Chinese company in the UAE was forced to close due to US pressure.

Against this backdrop, the arrival of a high level and joint delegation of Gulf countries to visit China is noteworthy. The delegation includes the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. The delegation also includes Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General, Nayef Falah al-Hajraf. China claims that this is the first time that such a large delegation from the Gulf countries has visited China. China said that the Gulf delegation is in China for five days to discuss free trade agreements, fuel cooperation, and other strategic issues.

China has indicated that a major decision regarding signing a free trade agreement between the GCC and China will be taken during the visit. Leading Gulf countries are trying to reduce the dependence of their economies on crude oil and are trying to focus on the other sectors. Analysts say the Gulf states are moving to get help from China, the world’s second-largest economy, for that.