Into another 20 years of successful cooperation

Twenty years is a very short time in history, but the 20 years since the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was established have seen great progress and fruitful achievements in the relationship between China and Arab countries. Thanks to the forum, China's relations with Arab nations have taken big strides forward, setting a model in international relations.

First, the level of relations has been elevated from friendship to strategic partnership. To date, China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with 14 Arab countries and the Arab League.

The overall relationship between China and Arab countries has evolved into a strategic partnership focused on comprehensive cooperation and common development, with a future-oriented approach. A total of 22 Arab countries and the Arab League have signed Belt and Road Initiative cooperation agreements with China. This elevation and re-positioning of bilateral ties is not just rhetoric. It is a substantive advancement, represented by expanding and deepened practical cooperation.

For instance, bilateral trade between China and Arab countries has grown from just over $30 billion in 2004 to more than $400 billion last year. In January 2016, China and Egypt signed a five-year outline on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, encompassing 80 provisions across various sectors to promote tangible progress in the strategic partnership.

Second, the cooperation mechanisms have become more mature and solid. Over the past 20 years, China and Arab countries have achieved notable progress in building up political and security cooperation mechanisms and enhancing the stability of bilateral ties. At the bilateral level, China and many Arab countries have set up consultation or dialogue mechanisms as well as parliamentary exchanges.

In terms of collective cooperation, a total of 19 cooperation mechanisms in various fields have been established under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. The forum has become an essential platform for deepening understanding, expanding cooperation, promoting cultural exchanges and fostering mutual understanding. It is also a strong force to safeguard common interests and defend world peace and security. The convening of the first China-Arab States Summit in 2022 is particularly noteworthy, signaling a new high in the development of China-Arab relations.

Third, security cooperation has been developing rapidly and shows a positive momentum. Security cooperation is a symbol of political mutual trust and strong ties. Over the past 20 years, China-Arab security cooperation has expanded in scope, from friendly visits to joint exercises and cooperation in counter-terrorism activities and equipment. It has also expanded in size, from partnering with only one or two Arab countries to establishing ties with multiple ones, and further moving toward collective cooperation.

The remarkable development of China-Arab relations is founded on shared values, mutual respect, and win-win benefits. It is characterized by mutual assistance and is firmly supported by high-level state leaders.

First, China-Arab relations have been able to remain healthy and stable amid international turbulence thanks to shared values. Both Chinese and Arabian peoples believe in peace, harmonious coexistence, fairness and justice, and oppose hegemony. These unwavering beliefs serve as the basis for friendly cooperation.

Second, China-Arab cooperation is built on the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and mutual respect, which is a valuable asset and a distinctive feature of China-Arab relations. Despite China's continuous growth in strength and international status over the past two decades, the world's largest developing country's commitment to principles of noninterference in internal affairs and mutual respect remains unchanged and will continue in the future.

China also appreciates Arab countries for upholding the one-China principle and consistently adhering to the principle of noninterference and developing relationships with other countries on the basis of mutual respect.

Third, common development has always been the top priority and ultimate goal of China-Arab interaction. The two sides place the improvement of well-being of the people at the forefront and strengthen practical cooperation. From traditional sectors to emerging industries and high-tech fields, from sea to space, today's practical cooperation between China and Arab nations is much richer and broader than it was 20 years ago, greatly benefiting the people. Mutual benefit forms the solid foundation for their political relationship.

Fourth, a key feature of China-Arab relations is mutual understanding and assistance in international affairs, jointly safeguarding the interests of developing countries. Whether in the field of international human rights or climate change, China has closely cooperated with Arab countries.

Particularly, on the issue of Palestine, China has consistently stood with Arab countries, speaking out for justice, and striving for the realization of Palestinian people's national rights to independent statehood. China also appreciate Arab countries' support for its Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.

It is worth noting that Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has visited China eight times, and President Xi Jinping has participated in the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum multiple times and visited Egypt in 2016, showcasing the close contact between the two leaders. The attention they attach to the bilateral relations has given clear guidance and injected strong momentum into the development of the relations.

We have every reason to believe that in the next 20 years, by strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation, promoting the liberalization of trade and investment, and fostering cultural exchanges and mutual understanding, China-Arab relations will continue to develop and bring more benefits to their people. And we believe by advancing the construction of a China-Arab community with a shared future, China and Arab countries will make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity.

The author is former ambassador for China-Arab States Cooperation Forum Affairs of China's Foreign Ministry.