In an exclusive interview with CMG's Wang Guan, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit reflected on seven decades of China-Arab cooperation, emphasizing its growing strategic significance in 2026. The dialogue comes as both sides deepen collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, with bilateral trade projected to exceed $500 billion this year.
Gheit highlighted China's role as a "stabilizing force" in Middle East peace processes, particularly through diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts. He praised recent infrastructure projects across Arab states funded by Chinese overseas investment, noting their alignment with local development goals.
The discussion addressed evolving cultural ties, with Gheit revealing plans to launch 15 new Confucius-Arab cultural centers by 2027. He emphasized youth engagement as critical for sustaining relations, citing a 40% increase in Arab students studying in the Chinese mainland since 2023.
On economic cooperation, the Secretary-General identified renewable energy and digital infrastructure as priority sectors, while reaffirming commitment to the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum mechanism. The interview concluded with optimism for cross-cultural understanding, framed by historical Silk Road connections and modern multilateral frameworks.
