On May 12, 2015, Director-General of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary General of the Chinese Secretariat of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum Deng Li held working exchanges with envoys of Arab states to China. Both sides exchanged views on the relations between China and the Arab states, the construction of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and other topics.

Deng Li noted that the relations between China and the Arab states have witnessed a constant and rapid development in recent years, with the bilateral political mutual trust being further cemented, the all-round practical cooperation within the framework of the “Belt and Road” initiative being smoothly advanced, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges displaying a splendid momentum. The China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, which constitutes an important mechanism for collective dialogue and cooperation, plays an irreplaceable role in promoting the friendly exchanges and practical cooperation between China and the Arab states. China is ready to, together with the Arab side, promote the China-Arab strategic cooperative relations and the construction of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum for greater progress by taking the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” of China and Arab states as a blueprint.

Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Arab countries in China and Omani Ambassador to China Abdullah Saleh Al Saadi expressed on behalf of the envoys of Arab states to China that the Arab-China relations enjoy a time-honored history and long-term friendship. The Arab side highly values the unremitting efforts made by China in enhancing Arab-China relations and is grateful to China for its long-term and firm support to the just cause of the Arab states. They stressed that the Arab side eagerly looks forward to, together with China, jointly building the “Belt and Road” and ensuring the success of various events of the Arab States-China Cooperation Forum. The Committee of Arab Diplomatic Envoys in China stands ready to intensify communication and coordination with the Foreign Ministry of China to promote Arab-China cooperation in all fields for constant and new achievements.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional situation and hotspot issues in West Asia and North Africa.