Chinese FM proposes framework for developing Sino-Arab ties
( 2001-12-27 09:22 ) (8 )

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan on Wednesday proposed a framework for developing Sino-Arab relations in the 21st century.

At a news conference held in Cairo specifically for introducing his ongoing trip to the Middle East, Tang put forward four major points on enhancing the Sino-Arab ties.

These ideas include increasing dialogue to widen consensus and reinforce mutual understandings, supporting each other and taking concerted actions in the UN and other multilateral organizations on issues of combating terrorism, human rights and regional flash points, exploring ways of expanding trade and economic cooperations, as well as establishing a mechanism for Sino-Arab forum.

"Friendships between China and the Arab countries have stricken root in the hearts of the two peoples and the two sides, without any clashes of interests in between, only have beautiful wishes for further developing ties," Tang said at the conference.

The Chinese minister arrived here Tuesday evening on the fourth stop of his regional tour which has also taken him to Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

The tour aimed to exchange views with leaders of concerned countries over ways of developing Sino-Arab ties, the Middle East conflicts, global terrorism, Afghan situation and other issues of common concern, said Tang.

On the Middle East situation, Tang said that protracting solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflicts have posed a serious threat to the regional stability and brought about negative repercussions on peace in the world as well.

China has insisted on reaching a solution and final peace through negotiations, Tang said, stressing that Israel should end its occupation of Arab territories and be ensured security on the basis of UN concerned resolutions.

While opposing to Israel's excessive use of force against the Palestinians and any violence which caused casualties of civilians, Tang called on both the Palestinians and Israel to respect the land-for-peace principle and restart peace talks as soon as possible.

He also urged the world community to intervene more actively to help solve the Middle East conflicts, adding that the UN Security Council should play a bigger role.

Referring to anti-terrorism issues, Tang said that China attaches great importance to and give more understandings to concerns of the Arab countries who are also victims of the global phenomena.

He said that China supports Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's call for holding an international anti-terrorism conference under the UN, expressing China's willingness to expand consultations and coordinations with the Arab and Islamic world, including Egypt.

At the news conference, Tang also touched on issues regarding Sino-US relations, Indian-Pakistani situation and political solution to Afghanistan issue, as well as restarting a new round of multilateral negotiations in the World Trade Organization.