The 7th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) held in Doha on Thursday paves the way for further economic and political cooperation between China and the Arab world, said Arab experts.
China and the Arab world enjoy vast economic partnerships, mutual political and diplomatic support and strong relations based on respect, friendship and shared interests, according to many analysts.
The China-Arab Cooperation Forum was described by Arab League Secretary General Nabil al-Araby as "a good example for the South-to-South cooperation," stressing the Arab nations are "sincere and confident in our strategic cooperation."
BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Doha that the Belt and Road Initiative is "a historic opportunity" for China and the Arab nations to boost common development and national rejuvenation, expecting "huge potentials" for future Chinese-Arab cooperation in infrastructure projects.
During the one-day meeting, held under the theme of "Working together on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Arab strategic cooperation," the two sides agreed to take the initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as the lodestar to promote their relations.
The initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was announced by President Xi in 2013, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road.
"This initiative may form a cooperation framework between the Chinese and the Arab sides, and transport can be one of the fields of cooperation," said Gamal Bayoumi, head of the Arab Investors Union, noting the ancient Silk Road crossed some Arab states, including Egypt.
"The revival of the Silk Road is important; the more it reduces the cost and time for transport of goods, the higher their competitiveness in the markets will be," the top Arab investment expert told Xinhua.
He stressed that the regularly-held China-Arab forum is a "good habit" that enhances ties between the two sides and provides potentials for raising the level of cooperation to presidential levels.
"Arabs should learn how China became the largest world exporter and how it attracted the largest amounts of foreign investments," Bayoumi told Xinhua.
Omar al-Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, stressed that China has "real huge partnerships" with Arabs in general and the Gulf states in particular.
"The Belt and Road initiative is very important as it may open new horizons for China-Arab economic cooperation that reflects on political cooperation and coordination between the two sides," the Gulf expert told Xinhua.
Hassan believes that any further step in the Chinese-Arab economic cooperation will enhance partnership between the two sides, and will in turn reflect on their political cooperation. "Arab states look at China and turn to it as an important partner," he added.
For his part, Ahmed Wali, vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the initiative will open a new window for larger economic cooperation between China and the Arab world.
"The initiative is very significant for the Arabs and China alike, and every country the road passes through will benefit in many ways, mainly in the commercial and the cultural fields," " Wali told Xinhua, noting that the revival of such a key ancient commercial road will lead to further cultural interaction and exchange between China and the Arab nations.
