Opening of the China-Arab Partnership Conference within the High-Level Forum for Media and Think Tanks of the Global South in Cairo

CAIRO, May 12, 2026 (Xinhua) -- The China-Arab Partnership Conference, part of the High-Level Forum for Media and Think Tanks of the Global South, kicked off on Tuesday at the headquarters of the League of Arab States in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The two-day conference, held under the theme "Gathering Wisdom, Embarking on a New Journey: Building a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future Together," is attended by approximately 250 representatives from about 110 media outlets, think tanks, government institutions, and companies from China and Arab countries, as well as regional and international organizations.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, stated in his opening speech that the countries of the Global South face a wide range of challenges. He noted that the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has opened up broad prospects for promoting democracy in international relations, narrowing the gap between the North and the South, supporting peaceful solutions to global crises, and building a better future together.

He stressed that Arab and Chinese media and think tanks urgently need to strengthen cooperation, build consensus, establish strong ties between peoples on both sides, and promote a more just and equitable international system.

Aboul Gheit pointed out that holding the conference at the League of Arab States is of great importance, as it will enhance the exchange of experiences between Arab and Chinese media and think tanks, open wider horizons for cooperation, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in ideas and civilizations between the two countries, and make Arab and Chinese media and think tanks an important pillar in strengthening Arab-Chinese friendship.

For his part, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, said that thanks to the strategic guidance of President Xi and the leaders of Arab countries, China-Arab relations have entered their best period in history, with steadily deepening mutual strategic trust, continuous expansion of cooperation in multiple fields, and fruitful results in people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Fu emphasized that media and think tanks play a vital role in supporting friendship and cooperation between China and Arab countries by amplifying voices, providing intellectual insights, and connecting hearts. He stressed that Xinhua News Agency will continue to promote and deeply explain the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and will fully highlight the vivid practices of China and Arab countries in their practical cooperation journey together. It will also work to improve and enhance cooperation mechanisms between Chinese and Arab media and think tanks, intensify close exchanges through more practical measures, advance exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, and strengthen human bonds, thereby strongly contributing through media and think tanks to building a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.

In his speech, Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang said that ten years ago, President Xi visited the headquarters of the League of Arab States and delivered an important speech in this hall, in which he presented China's answer to the "Middle East question." He noted that recalling this speech today makes it even more significant and meaningful.

Liao added that the Chinese President recently put forward a four-point proposal on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, which has been met with widespread support and positive feedback from the international community.

He affirmed that the League of Arab States represents an important platform for promoting solidarity and self-reliance among Arab countries, noting that China-Arab relations span a long and ancient history, and that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Arab countries.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed his belief that this forum will enhance the exchange of experiences in governance between China and Arab countries, and deepen traditional friendship and people-to-people ties between the two sides. He added that the Chinese side is willing to work with Arab friends to continue to revive the spirit of China-Arab friendship, and steadily advance on a promising path towards building a China-Arab community with a higher level of shared future.

Chinese and foreign guests participating in the event affirmed that China and Arab countries, as important members of the Global South, remain committed to promoting peace and development and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, playing an important role in achieving international justice and fairness and improving global governance.

They added that China-Arab cooperation has become a model for solidarity and common development among developing countries, expressing their hope that media and think tanks in the Global South will promote exchanges and mutual learning between China and Arab countries, build consensus on development, promote more practical results of cooperation, and advance substantive cooperation between Chinese and Arab media and think tanks.

Fu presented Aboul Gheit with an Arabic copy of the book "The Governance of China under Xi Jinping." The opening ceremony also included a China-Arab art exhibition titled "Confluence of Arts: Continuing the Cultural Heritage of the Silk Road Spanning Thousands of Years," as well as an awards ceremony to honor the outstanding contributions made by joint media partners in the Global South.

The conference is held in cooperation between Xinhua News Agency and the League of Arab States. During the event, participants will hold in-depth discussions on topics including peaceful development, diverse narratives, digital innovation, and mutual learning among civilizations. A research report titled "China-Arab Cooperation in the New Era: Achievements, Opportunities, and Prospects" will also be released.