On July 9, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi of Qatar who was in China for the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF).

Wang Yi expressed that today is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar. President Xi Jinping and Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani exchanged congratulatory messages in this regard. China regards Qatar as an important country in the joint construction of the Belt and Road and an important cooperation partner in the Gulf region. The Chinese side is willing to, together with Qatar, take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations as a new starting point to further strengthen bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides should maintain exchanges at all levels, further deepen cooperation in such areas as energy, infrastructure construction, finance and aerospace under the framework of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and constantly enhance bilateral non-governmental friendly exchanges and cooperation. China appreciates Qatar's successful holding of the 7th CASCF Ministerial Meeting in 2016 as well as its long-term endeavors and contributions to promoting cooperation between China and Arab states.

Wang Yi said that the maintenance of stability and harmony in the Gulf region conforms to the fundamental interests of the countries in the region and is also the common expectation of the international community. China supports the settlement of existing issues through dialogue and negotiation. It is hoped that various parties will ultimately resolve their differences through friendly consultations.

Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi expressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Qatar and China 30 years ago, the development of bilateral relations has made substantial progress with fruitful results from cooperation in various fields. Qatar is one of the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding on jointly building the Belt and Road with China. Qatar stands ready to constantly deepen cooperation with China in the process of the joint construction of the Belt and Road and jointly safeguard the global free trade system. Attaching great importance to China's important role in international affairs, Qatar thanks China for consistently supporting the just cause of the Arab states in the Middle East issue, especially the Palestinian issue. Qatar appreciates the objective and fair position that China holds on the Gulf affairs. Qatar is willing to closely support and coordinate with China to well hold the 8th CASCF Ministerial Meeting and promote the meeting for positive outcomes, so as to inject new impetus into the development of the relations between Arab states and China.

After the meeting, both sides signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption between China and Qatar.