The eighth ministerial meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was held on Tuesday, with officials from 21 Arab countries descending on Beijing to discuss cooperation and exchanges in an array of fields.

On the eve of the forum, CGTN senior correspondent Tian Wei sat down with Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit in an interview during which he shared some of his thoughts on current affairs in the Arab world.

One topic that has been under the spotlight for a while is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has worsened after President Donald Trump moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, triggering condemnation and criticism from the international community. Syria is another hot topic, as over five million Syrians have fled the country since the start of its harrowing civil war in 2011. With cities reduced to rubble, Syrians have sought refuge in neighboring Jordan and Lebanon, as well as in Europe, leading to the biggest refugee crisis in the history of mankind.

Talking about the refugee issue, Abul Gheit said that everyone has to assume their responsibility. 

"What had happened had happened, but everybody has to assume his responsibility," he said, adding that those who have pushed the Syrians to this predicament are not willing to take responsibility.

"They told the Syrians 'Thank you very much. We are not responsible for you'."

The Arab population recognizes that foreign intervention is a curse and that curse has to be removed, Anoul Gheit noted.

"No one should listen to those who feel as if they are advising you for your own good, actually advice is often in the interest of those who are claiming it."

China has kept historically friendly relations with the Arab states. Now, it intends to step up collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative.

"It has been supported fully by Arab countries, because historically the Silk Road has been there between China and Arab Muslim territories towards the Mediterranean and Europe. So, all you are doing is to renew that effort and Arab countries are embracing it, showing great enthusiasm. And I hope it would be a success and I'm sure it would be a success."