To strengthen the friendly cooperative relations between China and Arab states, the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum was opened at the LAS headquarters on September 14, 2004. Chinese Foreign Minster Li Zhaoxing, foreign ministers of Arab states and Secretary-General of the LAS Amr Mahmoud Moussa were present at the meeting.

Foreign Minister Li and Secretary-General Moussa jointly signed the Declaration on the China-Arab Cooperation Forum and the Plan of Action on the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

Both sides held that the China-Arab Cooperation Forum is a new mechanism for strengthening China-Arab group dialogue and cooperation and is conducive to enriching the connotations of China-Arab ties and upgrading cooperation levels in an all-round way.

In a cordial and friendly atmosphere. the foreign ministers exchanged in-depth views and reached broad consensus on further developing the cooperative relations between China and Arab states in the new stage and how to develop the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

The two sides stressed that China and Arab states support each other's efforts to safeguard independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China supports the righteous cause of Arab states to protect national legitimate rights and interests. Arab states reiterate their stance of resolutely supporting the one-China principle.

The two sides will take active measures to vigorously push for China-Arab exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, investments, energy resources, education, culture, journalism, human resources, science and technology, medical care and health and environmental protection and promote common development of China and Arab states.

The two sides stressed the significance of enhancing coordination and cooperation in international affairs and jointly safeguarding regional and world peace and stability.

The two sides made the following decisions through consultation.

First, the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum will be held in Beijing in 2006.

Second, the Conference of Chinese and Arabic Entrepreneurs is to open in 2005 to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Third, the Summit of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum is to open in Beijing in 2005, during which the specific steps of implementing the Plan of Action on the China-Arab Cooperation Forum will be studied.

Fourth, a range of cultural exchanges activities will be held to enhance mutual understanding. China welcomes Arab states to participate in the activities of the "See You in Beijing" to be held in May, 2005 and China will hold the Chinese Cultural Week and some other activities in part of Arab states next year.

Fifth, China and the LAS continue strengthening consultation on the mode of activities of the Forum.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the positive results of the meeting.