The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani, accompanied by Chinese President Xi Jinping, inspects the Guard of the Honor on Nov 3. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani, paid a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders held a talk at the Great Hall of People on Nov 3 and announced plans to build a strategic partnership and promote bilateral practical cooperation at a higher level.

The president said that China supports the China-Qatar 2016 Cultural Year to promote cultural exchanges. The emir said that they will strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of culture and promote friendship between the two peoples.

The two leaders jointly announced the establishment of the partnership and supported activities and events under the China-Qatar 2016 Cultural Year.

Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture Ding Wei met the Qatari ambassador on May 30 and both sides shared views on preparations for the China-Qatar 2016 Cultural Year.