Two-way approach sees trade routes flourish

This is evident in intensified political mutual trust, closer economic and trade connections, frequent exchanges of humanities and a strengthened security partnership, he added.

The trade volume between China and Arab states reached $191.34 billion last year, a year-on-year increase of 11.9 percent, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Zhu said the sustained China-Arab partnership has injected new vitality into the peace and development of the Arab world and also accumulated experience for international cooperation, reform of the global governance system, and building a community of shared future for mankind.

"With growing uncertainties in the international situation against the backdrop of protectionism and the backlash against globalization, strategic mutual trust between China and Arab states is of increasingly realistic significance," he said.

Solid efforts should be made by China and the Arab states to break new ground in Belt and Road cooperation, he added.

Shahat, the China-i risk management consultancy president in London, said that while Chinese companies have spearheaded the Belt and Road Initiative, they should increase awareness of risk prevention.

"China's biggest risks along the Belt and Road are those of social acceptance and values, as the world is simply unaccustomed to Chinese values and there is growing suspicion of Chinese intentions," he said.

He said the Chinese government and companies need to realize that new strains of social and political risks focused on China are emerging.

The best way to start the Belt and Road journey is to better prepare and recognize the world has changed, he added.

Zhu highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts, saying human exchanges are fundamental for China-Arab relations.