STRATEGIC COOPERATION

Many experts believe the China-Arab Cooperation Forum manifests longstanding strategic cooperation between the two sides as China is a main friend and supporter of Arab nations while the Arabs look at the Asian giant with a different perception compared to the West in general.

During the ministerial meeting, the chief of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, described China's relations with the Arab countries are "ideal," and said that the Arab world should "attach even more importance to the strategic cooperation between the two sides."

Araby added that "China is the only major state in the world that always supports Arab rights," hailing the strategic cooperation between the two sides and the Chinese "great influence" on the balance of international relations.

Diaa al-Fiqy, chief of Chinese-Egyptian Chamber of Commerce, referred to China as 'an honest and trusted partner that respects the sovereignty of its friends and never intervenes in other countries' affairs."

He added that China adopts a smart diplomacy as its attitudes are based on strategic thinking and never builds its diplomatic relationships on the action-reaction strategy, which is why China is regionally and internationally respected.

China has huge projects in the Middle East region, Africa and the Arab world, which encourages the Arab nations to enhance strategic ties with the Asian power and benefit from its development expertise.

"Arab cooperation with China should not be restricted to economy, but it should also be military, political and cultural. I believe the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum can achieve this," Fiqy told Xinhua.