The “Belt and Road” Initiative: A Great Opportunity for Deepening China-Arab Strategic Cooperative Relations

Today, curtains will rise on the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Qatar. It is a great opportunity for China and Arab states to enhance cooperation as we celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Two years ago, when addressing the last Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping suggested that China and Arab states work together on the “Belt and Road” initiative and proposed a “1+2+3” pattern for cooperation. Two years on, with joint efforts, China-Arab states cooperation is booming with fruitful results.

Stronger political trust underpins China-Arab states relations. China has consistently supported Arab states’ quest for development paths suited to their respective national conditions and their struggle to restore the legitimate rights of the Arab nations, especially the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. Arab states have rendered China precious support on issues of core interests and major concerns. China has established strategic relationships with eight Arab states, and seven Arab states have joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as founding members. At the leadership level, there is an ever more mature pattern of close communication and deep trust, which serves as a solid political platform for cooperation in various fields and makes it possible for various mechanisms of the Forum to thrive. Early this year, the Chinese government released its first Arab Policy Paper. It is an important programme and action guide for the development of China-Arab states relations.

Enhance communication and coordination for greater peace and stability. A peaceful and harmonious regional environment is needed for the advancement of the “Belt and Road” which, in turn, can create a strong momentum for peace building in the region. China will continue to play a constructive part in regional affairs and encourage the parties to find the biggest common denominator through dialogue. China will get actively involved in the political settlement of hotspot issues in the Middle East such as the Syrian issue, support UN’s mediation efforts, and support the parties in holding inclusive dialogues and expediting political and economic reconstruction. China will provide more public goods and help Arab countries build capacity in maintaining stability to facilitate peace and stability in the Middle East. China will stay in communication and coordination with Arab states, and will continue to respect each other’s primary interests and core concerns on major international issues, support each other’s legitimate demands and propositions, and firmly uphold international equity, justice, and the common interests of developing countries.

— Engage in intercivilization dialogue to draw on each other’s strength. The “Belt and Road” is not only a path towards mutual benefit, but more importantly, a path that enables integration and interactions between civilizations. We will step up dialogue between the Chinese and Arab civilizations, advocate the culture of tolerance, share experience in promoting religious harmony and deradicalization, guard against extremist forces and ideologies, and work to promote our own cultural traditions, which in turn will provide more sustainable drivers for our development and prosperity.

2000 years ago, China and Arab states created a glorious history of mutual understanding and interactions along the ancient Silk Road. Today, the land and maritime Silk Roads have converged in the Arab region, connecting the two ends of the Asian continent and ushering in a new phase for all-round China-Arab cooperation. By jointly building the “Belt and Road”, China wants to work with Arab states to enhance infrastructure connectivity, further communicate and align our development strategies, promote cultural interactions and integration, expand win-win cooperation and forge a broad platform that facilitates the realization of the “Chinese dream” and the revival of the Arab states. Let us make the most of the “Belt and Road” initiative to carry forward our traditional friendship, pursue mutual benefit and jointly advance the China-Arab strategic cooperative relations.

(Written on the Occasion of the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum)