China second trade partner to Arab states

China has become the second trade partner to Arab states as Sino-Arab trade exchange reached 155.3 billion dollars in the first nine months of 2015, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

China is the first trade partner of nine Arab states, he said, adding that Arab states are the major oil provider to China.

He added that Sino-Arab cooperation in the financial, airspace, renewable energy and other domains offers a positive indicator.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to start a historic visit to Egypt and Saudi Arabia within the coming few days, the top diplomat said China and Arab states can join hands for a better future in their long-standing relations and friendship based on mutual respect.

In statements to the Chinese newspaper People's Daily out Saturday, he said China has issued this year – which marks the 60th anniversary of establishing the Arab-Sino ties – its first official document on China's policy toward the Arab world, especially enhancing the Sino-Arab strategic ties, comprehensive cooperation and joint development.

He expressed happiness on Sino-Arab cooperation in the Chinese One Belt One Road initiative as well as the new formula "1+2+3" in Sino-Arab cooperation.

The "1+2+3" formula views energy as the core element of bilateral cooperation. Developing Infrastructure, as well as promoting trade and investment are seen as the "two wings" of cooperation, while "3" refers to breakthrough areas, including nuclear energy and renewables, as well as space.

The top diplomat also called for promoting the Sino-Arab dialogue and civilization exchange.

He noted that there are more than 20 universities in China teaching the Arabic language, adding that nine Arab countries opened 11 Confucius Institutes to promote for the Chinese language.