In a landmark meeting on Wednesday, Chinese premier Li Qiang and Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit charted a new course for China-Arab relations. Li emphasized China's firm support for Arab nations strengthening strategic autonomy, enhancing unity and charting development paths tailored to their national conditions.
"China and Arab countries are trustworthy friends and good partners," Li said, noting that bilateral ties have entered the best period in history. He underlined Beijing's willingness to align development strategies with the AL and deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
The two sides agreed to expand collaboration across energy, economy and trade, investment and financing, and aerospace sectors. They also explored emerging fields like new energy, artificial intelligence, the digital economy and the blue economy, aiming to unlock fresh growth opportunities for businesses and communities.
People-to-people exchanges took center stage in discussions. Li called for enhanced dialogue among youth, think tanks and universities, along with cultural and tourism initiatives to strengthen bonds between China and Arab societies.
On the global stage, China and Arab states pledged closer coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the World Trade Organization and the Group of 20. This joint effort aims to champion a more just and equitable global governance system.
Looking ahead, both sides expressed confidence in the success of the second China-Arab States Summit next year. As Aboul-Gheit put it, Arab countries stand ready to deepen political trust, boost trade and investment, and elevate people-to-people ties under the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
Reference(s):
Premier Li: China voices support for Arab nations' unity, development
cgtn.com
