China pledges support for Bahrain's efforts to safeguard stability

During the meeting, Xi also called for an early resumption of talks on establishing a free trade zone between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a bloc of six Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain holds the rotating presidency of the council in 2013.

As important partners regarding politics, economy and energy, China and the GCC should forge a close and comprehensive friendly and cooperative relationship, "which is in the common interests of both sides," Xi said.

Premier Li Keqiang, who met with the Bahrain king Monday afternoon as well, also urged Bahrain to play an active role in promoting cooperation between China and the GCC.

The establishment of a China-GCC free trade zone will be of great significance and benefit the people of both sides, Li said, citing the global trend of regional economic integration.

The Chinese side stands ready to resume free-trade-zone talks with the GCC with a view to achieving positive results at an early date and stepping up comprehensive cooperation between the two sides, said the premier.

Li said the Chinese side encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Bahrain. He urged the Bahrain side to provide convenience for Chinese investors.

The king told the Chinese leaders that Bahrain will make efforts to push ahead with the establishment of the GCC-China free trade zone.

Bahrain welcomes Chinese investors and will further cement friendship and expand reciprocal cooperation with China to realize common development, the king added.