Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum on Tuesday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Xi announced that China and Arab countries had agreed to establish a "future-oriented strategic partnership of comprehensive cooperation and common development."
Highlights of Xi's speech at China-Arab forum
It's the third time that Xi has articulated China's policy to the Arab world.
The CASCF, established 14 year ago, has facilitated China's cooperation and communication with the Arab states.
Here are the highlights of Xi's speech.
China, Arab states to sign declaration for B&R
Xi said that China-Arab cooperation declaration will be signed for the Belt and Road Initiative.
He said the initiative has garnered great support from the Arab world and China stands ready to work with Arab states on the initiative.
"Arab states are natural partners of China," Xi said.
China ready to assist Middle East peace
Middle East faces urgent task of removing barriers for peace, and China stands ready to assist Middle East in maintaining peace, said Xi.
Development offers many solutions to governance of the Middle East, and China will offer 100 million yuan in aid to Palestinians, said Xi.
He also said that diversity of the Middle East should be hailed and respected.
China to provide $20b loan for Arab states
Xi pledged that China will provide $20 billion loan to help Arab states in economic reconstruction.
China will help Arab states in transportation infrastructure, speed up cooperation in oil and gas, finance, high-tech fields, digital economy and artificial intelligence, said Xi.
China will build financial platform for industrial cooperation, said Xi.
China to press ahead with FTA talks
China plans to import goods worth over $8 trillion from Arab states in five years and this would bring huge opportunities to Arab states, said Xi.
China will press ahead with FTA talks with Arab states, Xi said.
China will invite hundreds of Arab elites to China over the next three years, Xi said.
More:
China, Arab states to sign 'Belt and Road Cooperation Declaration'
A "Belt and Road Cooperation Declaration" between China and Arab countries is expected to be signed during the forum.
Xi stresses cultural, people-to-people exchanges with Arab states
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.
