The Chinese diplomat also announced his country’s approach to strengthen relations with Arab countries.
Rabat – Relations between China and Arab countries develop “very fast,” and Beijing seeks to further strengthen these relations, said China’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Zhai Jun on Wednesday at the eighth forum on Chinese-Arab cooperation in Rabat.
Speaking at a press conference, Jun underlined China’s actions to strengthen relations with Arab countries, stressing the importance of developing economic, commercial, and cultural exchanges as well as promoting the values of diversity, peace, openness, and progress.
Commenting on the Palestinian issue, the diplomat said the deadlock in the peace process could have harmful consequences, noting that stability in the Near East region requires an agreement between the parties.
Regarding relations between Morocco and China, Jun noted “a development” in bilateral economic and trade cooperation, which nevertheless remains below expectations and the quality of political relations between the two countries. He said Beijing and Rabat should explore new areas of cooperation, such as infrastructure and investment.
In the education sector, the Chinese diplomat highlighted the decision of the Beijing government to grant 30 scholarships to Moroccan students, noting an increase in the number of Moroccans who choose to pursue their studies in China.
Regarding the tourism sector, Jun praised Morocco’s decision to exempt Chinese nationals from visas, a measure likely to encourage them to visit the kingdom in large numbers, particularly with the upcoming inauguration of direct airlines.
Read also: Chinese Ambassador to MWN: Morocco Does Not Need to Emulate China’s Model
The eighth Chinese-Arab Relations Conference and the dialogue between the Arab and Chinese civilizations wrapped up Wednesday with the adoption of a final declaration that calls for studying the possibility of setting up a Chinese-Arab institution in charge of promoting cultural pluralism.
Participants in the two-day conference, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, called for encouraging the opening of cultural centers in China and Arab countries as part of the promotion of cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic diversity and the strengthening of cooperation between the two parties.
This event, which is being held for the first time in Morocco and whose ninth conference will be organized in 2021 in China, reflects the depth of cultural and civilizational ties between Arab countries and China and highlights the invaluable contributions of the two sides to the development of civilizations.
