The Fifth Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) has held its senior official meeting in Hammamet, Tunisia. The forum brings together major officials from both China and the Arab world. They are aiming to strengthen relations between the parties and tackle issues of mutual concern.

Arab countries and China's senior officials gathered on Wednesday at the CASCF to discuss regional issues and ways to deepen relations. Syria, Palestine and Sudan were all a key part of the agenda given their importance to the Arab world.

The forum theme was "deepen the strategic cooperation and promote common development."

China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun said, "We are here to address three goals, the first is to review the work of two year, secondly review the agreement on the framework and finally revise the documents that will be signed. The international topics will be an important part of our agenda. We are very ready to cooperate with the Arab countries"

Tunisia's Foreign Minister Abdullah Treeky said, "The Arab-China cooperation forum represents one of the pioneer initiative by the Arab countries with multiple mechanism that covers all areas. And these mechanism helps in achieving the goals and develop the teamwork between China and the Arab countries."

Seventeen Arab countries attended the ninth edition of the senior official meeting for the CASCF.

The forum focuses on new cooperation projects between China and Arab countries in such fields as industry, public health, as well as human resources.

Libya's Asia Department Director Ambassador Abdel Mohsen Ghoniem said, "The conference is a cooperation mechanism between the Arab countries and the republic of China. This initiative started since 2004 and is held every year a senior official meeting and the ministerial meeting every two years. We will discuss the agenda and also review of the mechanism of work for the coming two years"

Baharain's Ambassador to China Bibi Sayed Al Alawi said, "The relation between the Arab world and China is important and historic. It all started by trade and then it developed and covered all aspects.

Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to the headquarters of the Arab League in 2004 was the main initiator of this forum and the eight years of intensified cooperation and partnership. The four principles established for cooperation included political relations, closer trade, cultural exchange and cooperation in international affairs.

(CNTV.cn May 31, 2012)