Cooperation between China-Arab libraries expected

Librarians from the Arab world and various parts of China gathered in Beijing on Oct 13. [Photo/Xinhua]

Directors of major libraries from China and the Arab world reached an agreement in Beijing on Monday to strengthen cultural ties, giving people of both the societies more opportunities to learn about each other.

The Communique of the China-Arab Library Directors Forum signed has proposed a biennial meeting of experts in 2015, with rotating hosts. It has also suggested setting up of digital libraries that will pool together resources from both partners, joint efforts in preserving and restoring ancient works from both civilizations and exhibitions that showcase each other's culture.

"The ever-strengthening relationship of libraries between China and the Arab world is a must," Han Yongjin, director of National Library of China said at the forum. "The two civilizations have been tightly connected to each other since the Silk Road. And it's in line with the action plan of China-Arab cooperation."

"We are brought up to this saying, if you are seeking true knowledge, you should go as far as China," Mohdamin Alfalehalabadi, who represents Jordan, said. "Exchange of culture and knowledge between us, as well as silk and spices, is the witness to our long-standing friendship."

The China-Arab Library Directors Forum, whose participants included curators from China's major libraries and national museums in Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and other Arabian countries, is part of the third Arabic Arts Festival that launched in September.