China-Arab forum paves way for further economic, political cooperation

"China has many development experiences the Arabs should learn from, as they paid dearly for following the terrible Western capitalism," Fiqy said, urging Arabs to take China as a successful development example "for the country is moving with stable swift pace towards a comprehensive development."

Wali, the vice chairman of Egypt-China Friendship Association, said that the Arab world should benefit from its strategic cooperation with China.

"The Arabs can learn from the Chinese development experience in the fields of education, banking, business and culture. They can shorten the time to reach high development levels by following on the footsteps of China," he told Xinhua, adding, "I believe many Arabs have already started to follow the Chinese development model."

"Promoting ties with many Arab countries to the level of strategic partnership is a proof of China's deeply-rooted friendship with the Arab world that views China as a successful model for a modern, strong, rich state," Wali said.

CHINA'S ROLE

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang told the forum Thursday that the Chinese and Arab sides realized the necessity of their firm mutual support for maintaining their respective core interests and easing regional tensions through dialogues.

"Politically, China is a peaceful country whose policies are based on dialogue not confrontation and has always been a backer of Arab rights for the past five decades without interference in the domestic affairs of any Arab countries," said Diaa al-Fiqy.

He added that China's role in the region is completely different from that of Western countries and the United States, which always work to divide the Arab region for personal interests and selfish policies.

Hassan, head of the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies, said that the Arabs try to get closer to China as a strong partner amid rising regional instability.