Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, received Mr. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the League's General Secretariat headquarters on 14 January. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Mr. Wang Yi's visit is part of an extensive tour in Africa, encompassing Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast.
Gamal Roshdy, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said that Mr. Aboul Gheit extended a cordial welcome to the Chinese minister, underscoring the profound historical ties between the Arab nations and China. He further emphasised the ongoing development of the amicable and cooperative relations that have flourished since the establishment of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum in 2004, culminating in the inaugural Arab-Chinese summit in 2022.
In a parallel vein, the spokesperson highlighted that the Chinese minister conveyed his earnest desire to convene the 10th session of the ministerial meeting of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum within the current year in China. This proposition holds special significance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum.
The spokesperson highlighted that the discussions between the two parties encompassed various Arab and international issues of mutual concern, with a particular focus on the Palestinian cause and the dire situation unfolding in the Gaza Strip amid the brutal war waged by the Israeli occupation against Palestinian civilians, which has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis.
Mr. Aboul Gheit expressed his concern about the substantial risks associated with the prospect of forced population displacement from the Gaza Strip, a move advocated by Israel. He emphasised the unequivocal rejection of the League of Arab States of such ideas and practices, considering them a blatant violation of international law, including Israel's actions in the field of population displacement in the Strip. The Chinese Minister concurred with this stance, and Mr. Aboul Gheit commended the consistent support provided by China, both politically and in humanitarian endeavours, for the Palestinian cause in various international forums, notably within the United Nations.
The spokesperson revealed that Mr. Aboul Gheit received a comprehensive briefing from the Chinese minister on the Taiwan issue, particularly in the aftermath of the presidential elections held on Saturday, 13 January. Mr. Aboul Gheit affirmed the steadfast Arab position in supporting China's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to the One-China principle.
At the culmination of the meeting, Mr. Aboul Gheit and Mr. Wang Yi signed a memorandum of understanding between the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This memorandum pertains to the establishment of the Arab-Chinese Association of Intellectual Institutions, reflecting a commitment to fortify friendship and deepen the strategic partnership between China, the League of Arab States, and its member states.
