Politics
10:12, 10-Jul-2018
China, Arab states agree on establishing a strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation
Updated
21:30, 02-Aug-2018
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00:26
China and Arab states have agreed to establish a China-Arab strategic partnership, with an emphasis on comprehensive partnership, common development as well as a look to the future, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Tuesday.
"This is a new historical starting point for China-Arab states cooperation," President Xi said.
Xi made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
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Xi vowed to further promote cooperation with Arab countries via the Belt and Road Initiative, a Chinese-proposed vision designed to strengthen interconnectivity in various fronts.
A "Belt and Road Cooperation Declaration" between China and Arab countries is expected to be signed during the forum.
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Below are some highlights of Xi's speech.
Financial cooperation
China is setting up a special program for economic reconstruction through industrial revitalization, Xi announced, hoping to help certain countries in the region boost their economies per their requests.
For the program, China will extend loans in accordance with commercial principles to projects with good employment opportunities and social benefits to countries with reconstruction needs in the Arab world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. /CGTN Photo
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. /CGTN Photo
The Chinese government also supports Chinese securities institutions to partner with Arab states sovereign funds and regulatory bodies, to build an international trading platform that is based in the Gulf region and radiate out across the Middle East and North Africa, and attract investment from around the globe.
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High-tech integration
China will pursue further cooperation with Arab states based on their medium- and long-term strategic planning for developments in multiple fields, including the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), new materials, bio-pharmaceuticals and smart cities.
In light of the key fields that draw bilateral interest, China and Arab countries will establish joint laboratories to implement a partnership in science and technology.
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“We need to accelerate the construction of a cyber Silk Road and strive for more cooperative consensuses and outcomes in Internet infrastructure, big data, cloud computing, and e-commerce,” Xi added.
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People-to-people exchanges
Civilization stays vibrant through constant interaction with each other, said Xi, adding that the two ancient civilizations should draw from each other wisdom and strength.
He called for clearing up misunderstandings through dialogue, solving disagreement through tolerance, and fostering a wholesome environment in which genuine faith and good deeds prevail.
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In order to enhance the mutual understanding of the two peoples, China will invite 100 young leaders, 200 young scientists and 300 science professionals to China from the Arab countries in the next three years, Xi said. He said 100 religious leaders and 600 party leaders will also be invited.
The Chinese president also promised to provide 10,000 training opportunities of various kinds to the Arab states, while sending 500 medical staff as well.
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The CASCF, founded 14 years ago, aims to exchange views on areas such as trade and investment, as well as enhance cooperation in sectors such as nuclear energy, aerospace technology and green energy. The meeting has facilitated China's cooperation and communication with Arab states in various fronts.