On September 14, 2004, the First Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on Cooperation between China and Arab States was opened in Cairo. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing attended and addressed the meeting.

Li Zhaoxing said the Arab world is an important force in the international arena, and China and Arab countries have enjoyed time-honored friendship. Similar histories, common objectives and wide-ranging shared interests have determined that there have to be closer coordination and enhanced cooperation between China and the Arab countries. When Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the headquarters of the League of Arab States (LAS) in January this year, the two sides announced the establishment of the Forum on Cooperation between China and Arab States, which was not only the continuation of the traditional friendship between China and the Arab world but also an important move to promote bilateral ties under new circumstances. The creation of the forum will consolidate and expand the bilateral cooperation between the two sides in a variety of areas and at various levels and will comprehensively promote the cooperation to a higher level.

He noted that in order to implement the consensus reached between President Hu and the leaders of the Arab countries, China has the following to propose: First, sticking to the principles of mutual respect, treating each other as equals and sincere cooperation on the political front. Second, promoting cooperation for common development on the economic front. Third, expanding exchanges to enhance friendship on the cultural front. Finally, coordinating closely in international affairs to safeguard common interests.

As for the building of the forum, Li proposed the following suggestions: First, enhancing collective dialogue between China and the Arab countries. It is suggested that the Second Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab cooperation forum be held in Beijing in 2006. Second, raising the level of economic and trade cooperation. Cooperation and dialogue in the areas of investment, trade, project contracting, labor service, energy, transportation, communications, agriculture, environmental protection and information shall be gradually carried out. Third, expanding cultural exchanges. Exchanges of visit by cultural and media associations should be encouraged and various forms of academic exchanges should be supported. Fourth, conducting training programs on human resources management.

Finally, Li Zhaoxing stressed that no matter how the international situation changes, China will always be a sincere friend of the Arab countries. He believed through joint efforts China-Arab Cooperation Forum would strongly boost the bilateral cooperation and benefit the people of both sides.

Arab foreign ministers who attended the meeting indicated that the formal launch of the forum was a big event in the history of the Arab ties with China. They also put forward a number of proposals on the promotion of China-Arab friendship and cooperation as well as the building of the forum itself.

Following the meeting, Li and LAS Secretary General Amr Moussa signed the Declaration of the Forum on Cooperation between China and Arab States and the Action Program of the Forum on Cooperation between China and Arab States. Li also met with journalists jointly with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Vall Ould Bellal and took their questions.

The meeting released a joint communiqué.