CAIRO, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Arab-China cooperation has become a model of South-South cooperation, built on the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, shared interests, and win-win outcomes, a senior Arab official has said.
Both sides have consistently supported each other on issues of core interest, said Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, speaker of the Cairo-based Arab Parliament, in a recent interview with Xinhua.
As Arab countries and China mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, both sides are committed to building a long-term, future-oriented partnership, he said.
"China's cooperation with Arab countries is driven by more than shared interests," he said, noting that it aims to establish a balanced development partnership that promotes growth and prosperity across the developing world.
Citing the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, he observed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has closely aligned with the national development strategies of Arab countries, expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade into emerging sectors such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, clean energy, and digital transformation.
"The BRI has enabled Arab-China cooperation to convert the Arab world's strategic geographic advantages into concrete development opportunities," he said.
Jointly-developed ports, economic and industrial zones, transport corridors, and logistics networks are helping Arab countries become increasingly important hubs for trade, investment and global supply chains, he said.
Under the BRI framework, built on mutual respect and shared benefits, Arab-China cooperation has deepened industrial integration, advanced sustainable development, and promoted greater connectivity, he said, adding that Arab countries can tailor their participation to national development goals, helping boost their standing in the global economy.
He said the two sides are jointly building a higher-level China-Arab community with a shared future, which embodies their common commitment to promoting development, stability and prosperity.
It also offers a practical framework for addressing global challenges, including food and energy security, climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development, he said.
China has fully implemented zero-tariff treatment since May 1 on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, he noted.
Amid rising protectionist trends globally, this move would help Arab countries in Africa gain greater access to China's vast market, thereby supporting local industrialization, job creation, and economic and trade cooperation among Global South countries, he said.
He called for greater exchanges between Arab and Chinese youths.
"Young people represent the future," he said, voicing hope that they would learn from each other's cultures.
"When the wisdom of young people is combined with the profound historical and cultural heritage shared by the Arab world and China, it will help promote common prosperity and open a new and brighter chapter in Arab-China friendship," he added. Enditem
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