On July 10, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi presided over the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) in Beijing. Wang Yi pointed out in the speech that President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the CASCF Ministerial Meeting that China and Arab states agree to establish a future-oriented strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation and common development. It is a moment of milestone significance, opening a new historic chapter for China-Arab states relations.

Wang Yi expressed that President Xi Jinping put forward in the speech that during the advancement of the construction process of the Belt and Road, China and Arab states should join hands to increase strategic mutual trust, realize the dream of rejuvenation, achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, promote inclusiveness and mutual learning, and jointly build a China-Arab states community with a shared future, so as to make further contributions to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. The important speech of President Xi Jinping stands at a historic height of solidarity and revitalization of developing countries, and focuses on long-term interests of China and Arab states, charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. China is willing to join hands with Arab states and jointly strive to promote China-Arab states relations to constantly march toward this goal.

Wang Yi noted that at present, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and Arab states are also in the key stage of reform and self-development. China and Arab states, both as developing countries, are important forces of maintaining world peace. We completely have the foundation, conditions and capability to achieve common development through the enhancement of mutually beneficial cooperation, which will add impetus into respective national rejuvenation and make contributions to the world peace and development as well.

Wang Yi said that there is an Arabic saying that you will reap fruits delivered by your efforts in planting an olive tree. Looking back on the past, we have witnessed that friendship between China and Arab states has withstood the tests of international vicissitudes. Looking into the future, we have drawn up the blueprint for the cooperation between China and Arab states. Let’s roll up our sleeves to work harder and make the growing tree of China-Arab states relations deliver more sweet fruits to not only benefit the two sides, but also the world at large.