Beijing, March 12th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), held a group discussion here today with diplomatic envoys of Arab countries to China at request. Diplomatic envoys of 22 Arab countries to China and officials of League of Arab States (LAS) in China were present, including Milia Jabbour, dean of Arab Diplomatic Corps to China and Lebanese Ambassador to China. 

Liu said in recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and leaders of Arab countries, China-Arab relations have reached a new historical stage. The second China-Arab States Summit will be held in China in 2026, which will surely leave an indelible mark in the development history of relations between China and Arab countries. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Arab side to continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and push China-Arab relations for more rapid development and new results. 

Liu expressed, the world today is undergoing turmoil. Unilateralism, isolationism, de-globalization and trade protectionism pose major challenges to the international order. Meanwhile, the strong rise of the Global South countries, including China and Arab countries, brings hope to the world. No matter how the international situation changes, China will always stand firmly with Arab countries and people. The Palestinian question has always been at the heart of the Middle East issue. The Chinese side supports Palestine's just position and is committed to striving for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at an early date. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen solidarity and coordination with the Arab side and jointly become a force for world stability, peace and justice. The IDCPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with diplomatic envoys from all Arab countries to China. 

Jabbour and other diplomatic envoys of Arab countries to China said, the friendship between Arab countries and China is rooted in the mutual trust from the bottom of our hearts, grows thanks to the mutual help in times of crisis, and is always as solid as a rock. The first China-Arab States Summit was successfully held in Riyadh in 2022, injecting strong impetus into deepening exchanges and cooperation between Arab countries and China in politics, economy, culture and other fields. The Arab side looks forward to jointly ensuring the success of the second China-Arab States Summit and further promoting the development of relations between Arab countries and China. The Arab side highly appreciates China's support for the just cause of the Arab countries on the international stage, especially for the justice for the Palestinian people, and expects China to play a greater role in international affairs. The Arab side will continue to firmly support China in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity and in safeguarding core interests. 

Jin Xin, Assistant-minister of the IDCPC, was present.