Chinese and Arab leaders agreed to develop China-Arab relations and discussed a number of regional issues of common interest at the China-Arab Cooperation Forum that concluded in Tianjin, China, on Friday. As part of the “Declaration of Tianjin,” they pledged to establish relationships of strategic cooperation that would focus on comprehensive cooperation and joint development. “The Chinese and Arab sides will achieve their goals through visits on various levels, talks and strategic consultations. They will continue mutual support in core issues related to common interests and boost their cooperation in areas of politics, economics, trade and environment, apart from coordination in international and regional matters,” the declaration said. The forum was initiated in January 2004, when Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. It has since served as a platform for exchanging views between China and Arab nations and for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation, according to a press statement published today.
