China-Arab: One man's efforts to develop friendship and peace

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As Chinese and Arab ministers gather in Beijing to expand official cooperation, CGTN takes a look at the work of one man who has spent last 12 years promoting friendship between China and Arab countries and the peace in the region.

When the United States and Britain invaded Iraq in 2003, Qin Yong was a planning editor at a news agency. He was working on a special report.

On March 5, 2003, Qin interviewed Iraq's ambassador to China. It was his first opportunity to closely understand Iraq and the regional situation.

“I never thought I would end up doing what I do now. At that time, there weren’t many people paying attention to the development of relations between China and Arab countries,” said Qin, the Vice President of China-Arab Exchange Association.

On August 8, 2006, Qin established China-Arab.com website as a platform to promote non-governmental cooperation between China and the Arab States.

“Through this platform, we hope to expand the exchanges and cooperation between Chinese local governments and enterprises and the Arab States including trade, education, and tourism,” said Qin.

Qin Yong is also trying to contribute to the peace efforts in Syria and Iraq.

He established the Middle East Peace Forum and set up the May 15 as “Middle East Peace Day.”

“I have visited Syria a few times. It was excruciating for me to witness people losing their homes," said Qin.

"Building a community of common human destiny is the goal of my career. My job is to bring more Chinese enterprises to help with the reconstruction of Syria," Qin added.

He has an Arabic name, Kareem, which means "generous." A fitting name for a man who has devoted the last 12-years to developing non-governmental diplomacy between China and the Arab world.

(Cover: Qin Yong /China-Arab.com File Photo)