On March 16, 2016, Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming conducted work exchange with envoys of Arab countries in China. Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said that China-Arab relations developed rapidly in the past year, with political mutual trust being further enhanced, practical cooperation and "Belt and Road" construction being steadily advanced and colorful cultural exchanges being conducted. As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both sides, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Middle East at the beginning of this year, opening a new chapter for development of China-Arab relations. China is ready to work with Arab states to well implement the achievements of President Xi Jinping's visit and ensure the success of the 7th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, so as to promote China-Arab strategic cooperative relationship for greater development.

Head of the Diplomatic Mission of Arab countries in China and Omani Ambassador to China Abdullah Saleh Al Saadi, on behalf of the Arab side, expressed gratitude to China's long-term and firm support to the just cause of the Arab nation. He believed that President Xi Jinping's visit provided new drive force to the Arab-China friendly cooperation. The Arab side is willing to take action to implement relevant cooperative initiatives and promote new progress of the "Belt and Road" construction.