Beijing, March 15th—The International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) held a seminar on the theme of "the Communist Party of China in the new era" and a seminar on "telling the stories of democracy and development—responsibilities and roles of political parties, media and think tanks" via videolink for the political parties, media and think tanks in Arab States. About 50 representatives from 18 political parties and 12 media and think tanks from 16 Arab States, including Feitas Benlakehal, Leader of the Algerian National Liberation Front and Vice President of People's National Assembly of Algeria, and Mohsen Basurra, Leader of the Yemeni Congregation for Reform and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Yemen, attended the event. Song Tao, Minister of the IDCPC, delivered a speech at the meeting.

Song said, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that to understand China today, one must understand the Communist Party of China (CPC). Since the 18th CPC National Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has crossed the threshold into a new era. This is a new historic juncture in China’s development. The CPC in the new era is committed to a people-centered development philosophy and to meeting people’s ever-growing needs for a better life; it adheres to the Chinese path and continues to create a new situation in China's governance; it insists the running of the country by the people, and continuously promotes innovations in the theory, system, and practice of Chinese democracy, creating a new model for human political civilization; and it adheres to keeping the well-being of the world in mind, and continues to make greater contributions to the progress of mankind.

Song noted, that since the beginning of the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping and leaders of Arab States have proposed the establishment of a China-Arab strategic partnership and proposed to build a China-Arab community with a shared future, which has charted the course for the development of China-Arab relations. Facing the future, the CPC is willing to work with political parties, media and think tanks in Arab States to support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, and better align the Global Development Initiative with the development needs of Arab States. The CPC is willing to deepen communication and cooperation with political parties, media and think tanks in Arab States, and well tell the CPC’s stories and the stories of China-Arab friendship in the new era, so as to inject strong positive energy into the development of China-Arab relations in the new era. Song also announced the official launch of an essay and short video competition themed on “the CPC in a new era" for the youth in Arabs States.

Benlakehal and other leaders of the political parties and principals of media and think tanks from Arab States said, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has created a new economic miracle that has attracted worldwide attention, and has promoted the common development of all countries and enhanced the friendly feelings among peoples of all countries by proposing the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and promoting the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has opened up a new realm of Marxism and provided scientific guidance for advancing the great cause of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Arab States and China enjoy a long-lasting friendship. The leaders also expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for its valuable support to Arab States’ economic and social development since the outbreak of the COVID-19. The Arab side is willing to work with the Chinese side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of Arab States and China, give full play to the roles of political parties, media and think tanks, and make positive contributions to deepening people-to-people bonds and cooperation in various fields, promoting the development of Arab-China relations, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Zhu Rui, Assistant Minister of the IDCPC, was present.

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