The official inclusion of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates into BRICS will help increase the influence and role of Arab countries in international affairs, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Adel Al Asoomi, speaker of the Arab Parliament, in Beijing, days after the three Arab states, together with Argentina and Ethiopia, were invited to join BRICS, a group of emerging economies membered by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

China is ready to work with Arab countries to achieve common development and prosperity so that the two time-honored civilizations can make new contributions to the development and progress of humanity, said Wang.

Adel Al Asoomi said the relations between Arab countries and China are in "a golden era," and the Arab side sees "a trustworthy and sincere strategic partner" in China.

The Arab Parliament is committed to supporting China's safeguarding of national reunification and territorial integrity and supports Chinese-proposed initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, according to the speaker.

'Middle East is not someone's backyard'

During the meeting, Wang made it clear that there has never been a "vacuum" in the Middle East, nor is it someone's backyard.

The future and destiny of the Middle East should be in the hands of the region's countries and people, he said.

China will continue to stand on the side of peace, stability and justice, commit itself to the belief that all countries, big or small, are equal, Wang said.

He added that China rejects interference in the internal affairs of other countries, promotes democracy in international relations, advocates multilateralism and opposes unilateral bullying.

The Chinese side supports Arab countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and territorial integrity and backs a fair and rational resolution of the Palestinian issue, said Wang.

Adel Al Asoomi said China's commitment to respecting sovereignty and non-interference has won respect from Arab countries.

He expressed hope that China will play a bigger role in promoting peace, stability and development of Arab countries and the world at large.

Adel Al Asoomi is on a week-long visit to China that will last until Thursday. China's top legislator Zhao Leji called for enhanced exchanges between the two legislative bodies during talks with him on Monday.