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China and the Arab people have always maintained friendly
tradition and China believes the Arab states are an important force
on international arena and China has attached importance to
developing friendly and cooperative ties with the Arab nations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made the remarks Saturday
at a press conference of the Second Session of the 10th National
People's Congress.
Politically, China and the Arab countries are all committed to
world's and regional peace and stability. Economically, both sides
regard the economic development and improvement of people's
livelihood as their common tasks. The two sides are complementary
in economy and there exists great potential in bilateral
cooperation, Li said.
Last year, the trade volume between China and the Arab states
totaled 25.4 billion US dollars, up 43 percent from the previous
year. In addition, the cultural, scientific and technological and
educational exchanges between China and the Arab nations were also
increasing.
In early this year, the first overseas trip in 2004 by Chinese
President Hu Jintao was made to Arab states and he also visited the
headquarters of the Arab League. It's during the visit that China
and the Arab side declared the establishment of the China- Arab
Cooperation Forum and China is discussing with the Arab League to
launch the forum as soon as possible.
"We have full confidence in the future of cooperation between
China and the Arab states and cooperation between China and the
Arab League," Li said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2004)
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