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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, pictured here with Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, says China wants to broaden its relationship with Arab nations. /AFP
China wants to broaden its relationship with countries in the Middle East in the years ahead, according to the country's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Wang is currently on a six-country tour of the region in an effort to tighten China's relations with Arab nations and discuss a multitude of mutual opportunities.
China's relationship with the Middle East has previously been based on energy, with the country heavily reliant on nations in the region for supplies of oil. But in recent years, China has worked with Arab nations on a host of different areas including technology and joint construction projects.
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In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, Wang was asked in which areas he thinks China and Arab nations could work together in the future.
He replied: "Today, the fourth wave of industrial revolution is sweeping the world, with breakthroughs in cutting-edge technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, and new technologies. Standing at a new historical starting point, China and UAE should adopt a broader vision."
He added: "It is necessary to consolidate the traditional pillars of cooperation in energy, economy and trade:Deepen oil and gas cooperation, actively expand cooperation in new energy, renewable energy, nuclear energy and other fields.
Wang Yi is currently on a six-country tour of the Middle East, which includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, United Arab Emirate, Bahrain and Oman. /AFP
"We want to build a three-dimensional energy cooperation pattern.It is necessary to forge ahead, tap the potential of the two markets between China and Arab countries, optimize the structure of bilateral trade, and better serve the development of both sides."
As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has worked on the joint construction of a host of initiatives in the Middle East and Wang says those ongoing projects are also of vital importance.
"[We want to] further promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road,"he said, noting that the second phase of the Khalifa Port Container Terminal, China-Arab Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Park, Hasyan clean coal-fired power station and other landmark Belt and Road projects should be built well, reflecting the common consultation, construction and sharing spirit.
