Nation to bolster Global South voice with Arab states

A senior Communist Party of China official called on Monday for strengthening civilization dialogue between China and Arab states to promote peace, drive development, empower governance, and ultimately bring confidence and hope to the world amid the complex changes in the international landscape.

Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the statement at the opening ceremony of the 11th China-Arab Civilization Dialogue in Beijing, which was attended by around 150 representatives from 22 Arab countries and the League of Arab States.

While hailing the development of China-Arab relations, Liu underlined the need for both sides to work together to contribute to a fair and just international order that enhances the coexistence of civilizations.

"The tragedy in Gaza has warned us that when United Nations Security Council resolutions are ignored, international law is violated, and veto power is abused, civilization loses its dignity under the weight of might," he said, adding that shaping a fair, just, reasonable and effective international governance system is the shared aspiration of the Global South, including China and Arab countries.

China is willing to work alongside Arab countries to oppose the claims of the "superiority of certain civilizations" and the "clash of civilizations", resist unilateral bullying, and use the ancient wisdom of Chinese and Arab civilizations to promote the development of a more just and equitable international order and jointly strengthen the voice and power of the Global South in global governance, Liu said.

The dialogue meeting is part of the agendas under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, as both sides are striving to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era.

Following the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in December 2022, China will host the second edition of the summit in 2026.

Ahmed Ali Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the League of Arab States, said, "We look forward to the second China-Arab States Summit, which will be another milestone in China-Arab relations."

He spoke highly of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, saying that the initiative aligns with the concerns of Arab countries regarding the current global governance system. "We emphasize that this important initiative should be given significant attention, as it will make positive contributions to promoting world peace and development," he said.

Jamal Mohamed Fakhro, first deputy chairman of the Bahraini Shura Council, said that his country appreciates the GGI, which calls for the establishment of a more just and inclusive international system, with consultation, mutual benefit and a community with a shared future for humanity as its cornerstone.

"We believe this initiative provides an important opportunity to enhance cooperation among countries of the Global South and to build a more balanced and effective global governance system," Fakhro said.

Zaina Idhali, deputy speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, said that Morocco admires China's crucial role in maintaining global strategic and geopolitical balance, as well as its unique experiences in economic development and technological innovation.

She highlighted that the relationship between Arab states and China is built on mutual benefit, peace, friendship, dialogue, cooperation and respect for each other's sovereignty.

Mahmoud al-Aloul, deputy chairman of the Fatah Movement, said that he appreciates China's significant role in upholding international justice, as well as its support for the Palestinian people in pursuing their legitimate national rights.