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High-level officials of China-Arab Forum meet in Cairo

China-Arab Cooperation Forum
China-Arab Cooperation Forum
CAIRO, June 10 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary General Nabil Al-Araby has reiterated the necessity of regional and international synergy for eliminating terrorism, "a plague that runs contrary to human values and heavenly religions." Addressing the 12th session of the high-level officials in the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Cairo on Wednesday, Al-Araby emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address causes behind the "cancerous spread of the phenomenon of terrorism in a bid to root it out." He pointed to the conditions in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Iraq, which pose "hazardous challenges" for the region's security and stability, urging "traditional friends" to carry on with their support to the Arab and regional causes, on top of which the stalemated Palestinian Cause.
In the meantime, Al-Araby highlighted the ambitious plan by Chinese President Xi Jinping to revive the centuries-old Silk Road trading route, as a channel to boost cultural communication and realize sustainable development.
According to the Arab League chief, the relations with China "constitute a strategic choice for the Arab side." He referred to the first session of the Arab-China Strategic Dialogue held in Cairo on Tuesday.
This forum is a chance to discuss issues of common concern as well as coordination on the international scene for consolidating international peace and security, making use of China's prominent political status and economic expertise, Al-Araby said.
For his part, Director General of the West Asia and North Africa Department at China Foreign Ministry Deng Li, underscored the necessity of enhancing bilateral cooperation amid accelerating regional and international changes.
He said that the first session of the Arab-China Strategic Dialogue set up a new platform for cooperation, as well as collective dialogue.
Meanwhile, Deng noted that Beijing is ready to help the Arab states in the field of infrastructure, in addition to launching a free trade zone with some Arab countries to create favorable conditions for achieving development.
He noted that trade exchange between China and the Arabs hit USD 251 billion, marking a rise of 73 percent over the past four years. Imports of Arab oil reached USD 146 billion, again a rise of 46 percent in four years.
The one-day Forum discusses the outcome of the first session of the Arab-China Strategic Dialogue, as well as assessing the forum's achievements within framework of its executive program, 2014-2016. Prospects of future cooperation will also feature high on the agenda together with arrangements of the forum's 7th ministerial session. (end) mfm.aff.msa