In the afternoon of Sept. 16, 2013, Premier Li Keqiang met at the Great Hall of the People with King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-khalifa.

Li Keqiang said that China-Bahrain relations enjoy healthy, stable development and the two countries have always supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns. Bahrain, as an important financial center in the Middle East and Gulf region, plays a strong role of market radiation and there are broad prospects for bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides will effectively implement the consensus reached between the heads of state of the two countries, expand cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, finance, energy and infrastructure construction. The Chinese side encourages competent Chinese businesses to invest and develop in Bahrain and hopes that Bahrain will provide support and facilitation.

Li Keqiang pointed out that in face of the development trend of regional integration in the current global economy, the establishment of China-GCC FTA is of great significance and can benefit both peoples. China is ready to restart the FTA negotiations with GCC to push for the achievement of positive results as early as possible and for the uplifting of the level of overall China-GCC cooperation. China hopes Bahrain, which holds the rotating presidency of the GCC, will play a positive role for this.

King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-khalifa expressed that Bahrain and China enjoy a profound traditional friendship with fruitful cooperation. Chinese businesses are welcomed to join in Bahrain's economic development. Bahrain is ready to further expand friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with China to achieve common development and will make efforts for the construction of GCC-China FTA and for the development of GCC-China relations.