Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Wednesday that China will
work with the Arab states to further promote friendly cooperation
on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic
relations.
Hu made the remarks while meeting with foreign ministers and
representatives from the 22 Arab states and Secretary-General of
the League of Arab States Amr Mahmoud Moussa, who are in Beijing to
attend the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, which opened on
Wednesday.
"China thanks the Arab states for supporting China in relation
to Taiwan and human rights issues and will as always support the
just cause of the Arab states and people," Hu said.
Hu called for further economic cooperation between China and the
Arab states, adding that parties would expand cooperation in such
fields as trade, investment, energy and environmental
protection.
"We will explore new mechanisms and ways to cooperate in a bid
to take the China-Arab pragmatic cooperation to new highs," Hu
added.
On international and regional affairs, Hu suggested that the
regional disputes be resolved peacefully through consultation and
dialogue.
Visiting Arab ministers acknowledged that the China-Arab
Cooperation Forum, established in 2004, has been an important
platform for dialogue and cooperation, and is a good example of
cooperation among developing countries.
The Arab delegates reiterated their adherence to the one-China
policy and appreciated the positive role that China plays in
supporting the "just cause" of the Arab people and international
affairs.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing co-hosted the meeting with Minister
of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Mohammed
Hussein Al Shaali, whose country holds the Arab League rotating
presidency, and league Secretary General Amr Mahmoud Moussa.
Addressing the forum, Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said that the Chinese government
supports the peace initiatives proposed by the Arab states to
resolve the Palestine-Israel issue.
Tang said that China supports finding a solution to the Middle
East issue through negotiations on the basis of relevant UN
resolutions and the principle of land for peace.
Greater Sino-Arab coordination on major international and
regional issues would help maintain peace and stability in the
Middle East, the Asia Pacific region and the world.
The Chinese government hoped to step up cooperation and promote
the China-Arab partnership within the framework of the ministerial
forum, he said.
Tang put forward four proposals for enhanced cooperation,
starting with further visits between state leaders, greater
governmental cooperation, and parliamentary, party-to-party and
people-to-people exchanges.
Second, all parties should deepen energy dialogue and
cooperation and expand mutual efforts in training, trade and
investment.
Third, parties should expand friendly exchanges, so as to become
partners.
Finally, China and Arab countries should strengthen coordination
on international affairs and work together to maintain world peace,
security and stability, with deeper cooperation in non-traditional
security areas.
(Xinhua News Agency June 1, 2006)