Leaders of Arab countries and China agreed on strengthening the strategic partnership based on the comprehensive cooperation and common development for a better future, as a model for friendly ties and mutual cooperation.

In the final communiqué of the China-Arab States Summit, which was held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Friday, the leaders agreed on working together to boost the Arab-Chinese cooperation in various fields through the existing mechanisms within the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) and to strengthen the role of this forum in pushing forward development efforts and ties between their countries towards broader horizons.

They reaffirmed their states’ unwavering commitment to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including the principle of mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of the States, refining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

They also asserted their respect for the principle of good-neighborliness and non-intervention in the internal affairs of States.

In the final communiqué of the China-Arab States Summit, the leaders of the Arab countries and China agreed to work on preserving the international order based on international law, to work multilaterally to promote the principles of cooperation, solidarity, justice and fairness in international relations, and to safeguard the interests of developing countries and defend their rights.

They emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains a central issue in the Middle East, stressing the necessity of finding a just and lasting solution to it based on the two-state solution, through ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

In this context, they asserted that the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian and Arab lands are illegal and the invalidity of Israel’s unilateral practices aimed at changing the status quo in Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem).

They also stressed the necessity of preserving the historical and legal status of Al Quds city and the importance of the role of the Jordanian Hashemites’ custodianship of the Islamic and Christian sanctities in Al Quds in protecting the sanctities and preserving their Arab identity.

The leaders underlined the need to implement the resolutions of international legitimacy related to refugees and the protection of Palestinian civilians.

They called for holding an international peace conference, with broader participation, appreciating the four-point vision put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping to resolve the Palestinian issue, and a series of initiatives and visions presented by the Chinese side to solve the Palestinian issue.

They expressed their appreciation of China’s support of the Palestinian cause and its genuine efforts to push forward the peace process, in addition to its support of the Palestinian side to improve the Palestinians’ livelihood and develop the economy, its humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian side, and its effort to help the State of Palestine to gain full member state status at the UN.

The two sides asserted their keenness to boost cooperation in priority areas within the framework of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) that puts development first and the people at the center, and seeks to expedite the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

The leaders of China and Arab states agreed to exert utmost effort to build the Arab-Chinese community for a common future towards the new era, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and promote peace and development in the region.

They confirmed the determination to continue political consultation and exchange of support between the two sides on issues related to their core interests and major concerns and to enhance solidarity between them in various international forums on global issues of common concern.

The Arab leaders emphasized their firm commitment to the One-China principle and their support for China’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two sides appreciated the important efforts made to care for minorities in both the Arab states and China.

They agreed on enhancing exchanges between China and the Arab countries in various dimensions and levels and concerting efforts to face common development challenges.

They also emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to find political solutions to regional crises in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy, especially in Syria, Libya and Yemen, and support the efforts made by Lebanon, Somalia and Sudan to achieve security, stability, development, prosperity, and combat terrorism.

The Chinese side affirmed its support for the Arab countries to solve security issues in the region through solidarity and cooperation.

The two sides agreed to support efforts to find a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and restore peace and security in accordance with international law.

They also agreed to co-participate in the implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative and the promising opportunities it provides for cooperation and development, calling for respecting the right of the peoples of the world to choose ways to develop democracy and social and political systems in accordance with their national conditions with their independent will, refusing any foreign interference in states’ internal affairs.

They stressed the importance of international cooperation in the field of human rights being based on equality and mutual respect, rejecting the politicization of human rights issues.

The Arab and Chinese leaders also called for enhancing international efforts within the framework of the United Nations to combat climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

They also urged a balanced approach policy to promote global economic growth, which is closely linked to energy security and availability by taking advantage of various energy sources and applying circular carbon economy (CCE) solutions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and build sustainable communities.

The Arab leaders praised the Chinese assistance in combating Covid-19, calling for exerting more efforts and enhancing cooperation for economic recovery in the post-pandemic stage.

Source: State Information Service Egypt