China’s Mideast Envoy Commends GCC Restraint Amid Regional Security Concerns
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al‑Budaiwi welcomed Zhai Jun, China’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Issue, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, according to Arab News.
During the meeting, Al-Budaiwi expressed sincere gratitude for China’s denouncement of Iranian attacks on GCC states and for its ongoing efforts with all parties to halt the conflict and curb the escalation.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, targeting its leaders and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran responded with a wave of counterattacks in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The meeting also tackled the bilateral relations between China and the GCC states with China’s Special Envoy Zhai Jun commending the council’s prudent approach across domestic, regional, and international arenas. He also clarified that these policies have further reinforced the council’s standing as a dependable and strategic partner for China.
In this regard, Jun underscored that the GCC’s measured restraint amid the ongoing crisis sets a unique example of the effectiveness of these policies.
Both officials also examined preparations for the upcoming China-GCC summit scheduled later this year and evaluated advancements in the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.
On Sunday, Zhai Jun also held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The two officials discussed the latest regional and global developments and their implications for the Middle East, as well as the initiatives aimed at boosting regional stability and security.
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