The Chinese Army “is willing” to work with the Armed Forces of the Arab countries, said Thursday the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense of the Asian country, Tan Kefei.
The aim of the collaboration, the spokesperson said, is to “seriously implement the consensus reached at the China-Arab States Summit, jointly promote global security initiatives, continue to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation,” as well as “make new contributions to maintain world peace and development”.
Tan Kefei stressed that his Armies are “important forces in maintaining world peace and stability.” He also noted that China-Arab military relations have been “fruitful” in recent years, which “has enhanced strategic mutual trust and deepened traditional friendship.”
“High-level exchanges” were held between the countries, including joint exercises and training, as well as cooperation in the field of technological equipment.
On December 9, the first China-Arab summit was held in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, which brought together the Asian giant with the countries of the Persian Gulf, including, apart from the kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
After the meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman said that Beijing and the Persian Gulf countries are considering establishing a common free trade zone, while Chinese leader Xi Jinping said that the Arab countries and China they could achieve industrial and economic integration, complemented by the establishment of a mutual investment council, highlighting the efforts established to activate payment systems in local currencies.
