Chinese FM pledges support to Arab countries

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) and Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra attend a press conference in Algiers, Algeria, Dec. 21, 2013. (Xinhua/Mohamed Qadri)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged support to Arab countries during a joint press conference with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra on Saturday.

Wang said China has always regarded and developed its relations with Arab countries from a strategic and long-term perspective. Under the new situation, China has put forward a four-point support policy toward Arab countries.

China supports the Arab countries to steadfastly pursue their choice of development path. "We understand the Arab people's appeal for reform, and wish the Arab countries to find a political system and development path suitable for their national conditions. Any outside forces should have no right to make decisions for the Arab countries and people," the foreign minister said.

China supports the Arab countries to solve hot issues through political means, resolving disagreements through dialogue and settling disputes through negotiations, Wang said. China supports the Middle East peace process and is willing to actively participate in and push for political solution to regional hotspot issues.

Wang said China supports the Arab countries to enhance cooperation with it and seek common development. "There are huge potential and broad prospects for China-Arab cooperation. China is willing to connect the Chinese Dream of realizing national rejuvenation with the Arab people's dream of pursuing national prosperity and revival, and to enhance pragmatic cooperation in all areas in order to bring more benefits to the people on both sides," the foreign minister said.

China supports the Arab countries to safeguard their legitimate rights. "The Arab countries are important and equal members of the international community. China opposes harming the Arab countries' national dignity in excuse of anti-terrorism and human rights, and is willing to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to better safeguard the interests of both China and the Arabic nations, as well as other developing countries," Wang said.

The foreign minister said China believes the Arab countries need development, stability and unity. Development is the basis of and key to solving any problems. Stability is a precondition for realizing development, while unity can bring strength to the Arab countries to better safeguard their core and long-term interests.

"In their course toward development, stability and unity, China will stand alongside the Arabic nations," Wang said.