On the afternoon of May 31, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao met in the Great Hall of the People with Chairman of Arab side of the second ministerial meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum Mohammed Hussain Al Shaali, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS) Amr Mahmoud Moussa and the heads of delegations from Arab countries at the meeting.

        Hu extended sincere congratulations for the convening of this meeting and made highly positive comments on a lot work that China and Arab countries have done for the development of the Forum, hoping that both sides will further improve its various mechanisms through full coordination, enrich cooperative connotations, expand cooperative area, give better play to its role and enhance the overall level of China-Arab cooperation in a bid to jointly create a better future for bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

        Hu indicated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of diplomatic ties between both sides. China would like to work with the Arab side to fully use this opportunity and push for more rapid and better development of China-Arab friendly cooperative relations in the new century. To this end, both sides should make efforts in the following four aspects. First, political cooperation should be strengthened to consolidate and enrich the political basis for bilateral relations. Both sides should continue to resolutely support each other to safeguard state sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and respect and support each other's development road independently chosen by themselves according to their respective national conditions. China thanks for the precious support of Arab countries on Taiwan, human rights and other questions. No matter what changes take place in the international situation, the Chinese government and people will as always resolutely support the just cause of Arab states and their people. Second, economic cooperation should be enhanced to seek innovation and realize mutual benefits. Both sides should center on the task of promoting common development to further expand cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, infrastructure construction, human resources development, science & technology and environmental protection, actively explore new cooperative mechanisms, approaches and ways and jointly push bilateral pragmatic cooperation to a new level. Third, cultural cooperation should be reinforced to expand dialogue and carry forward traditional friendship. Both sides should continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, journalism, health and tourism, adopt various forms to deepen dialogue between civilizations based on profound historical and cultural connotations of China-Arab relations, learn from each other's strong points to close the gap, and push for harmonious development of different civilizations. Fourth, international cooperation should be boosted to keep close coordination and cooperation and promote peace and stability. Both sides should jointly respond to global challenges through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, advocate peaceful resolution of regional disputes through consultations and dialogue and advance multilateralism as well as democracy and rule of law in international relations in a bid to build a harmonious world.

        Mohammed and Moussa thanked President Hu for meeting with them on behalf of the heads of delegations from Arab countries at the meeting. They indicated that China-Arab Cooperation Forum is an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between Arab states and China and has become a model for cooperation among developing nations. It is of great significance to promoting world peace and stability. Both sides have kept close cooperation within the framework of the Forum and achieved positive results in politics, economy, culture and other areas. The Arab side agreed with Hu's four-point proposal on pushing for bilateral friendly cooperation in the new century, and hoped that this meeting will further strengthen development of the Forum and comprehensively enhance the level of cooperation to better benefit the two peoples. The Arab side reaffirmed that all Arab countries adhere to the one-China principle and support China's grand cause of reunification. The Arab side highly appreciated China's position in supporting the just cause of Arab people, as well as its positive role in international affairs.

        Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and other officials attended the meeting.