On June 14, 2023, Ambassador Zhang Jianwei met with Secretary General of the Arab Towns Organization (ATO) Abdulrahman Al-Asfour. They exchanged their opinions on strengthening sub-national cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Zhang said: "China attaches high importance to urban construction and development, and incorporates sustainable development into the urban planning process". Noting that the ATO is committed to fostering friendly exchanges between Arab cities and cities around the world, he said China is ready to strengthen the links with the ATO, and deepen sub-national cooperation between the two nations so as to contribute to the vision of building the China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.

For his part, Abdulrahman expressed admiration for China’s achievements in urban development and governance. The ATO hopes to build platforms for more Arab cities to forge friendship and cooperation with China, thus promoting sustainable development among cities worldwide together.

Founded in 1967, with headquarter in Kuwait, the ATO aims to preserve the traditional culture of Arab cities, give advice on urban policies and facilitate exchanges and cooperation between cities. So far, there are 650 member cities.