Excerpts of the speech made at the China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue Extraordinary Meeting

Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China

June 22, 2020

Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, addresses the meeting on June 22 in Beijing (IDCPC)

The world today is undergoing a major change that has not been seen in a century. Moreover, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses a threat to the safety of humanity, has impacted the stability of the global industrial and supply chain, exacerbated the downward pressure on the world economy, and accelerated the complex evolution of the international order. At this critical juncture, political parties, as the leading force for advancing national governance and human civilization, should stand up to provide a strong momentum for the safety and well-being of their own people and to advance the global fight against the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Communist Party of China (CPC), under the strong leadership of its Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, adhered to the concept of people first and life first. Putting people's safety and health first, the CPC mobilized all available resources and went all out to save every infected patient at any cost, from newborn babies to centenarians. In Hubei alone, more than 3,000 patients over the age of 80 were cured. During the anti-epidemic fight, over 39 million Party members fought on the frontline and nearly 400 of them died in the line of duty in order to protect the security and lives of the people. All of that vividly interpreted the original aspiration and mission of the Chinese Communists.

At the same time, the Chinese Government notified the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant countries, providing related information in an open, transparent, and responsible manner. It released information, including the virus gene sequence, in the earliest time possible, and shared its prevention and control experience with all parties without reservation. China did its utmost to provide support and help to countries in need and to practice the concept of building a community with shared future for humanity with its actions.

Facing the pandemic, we saw the political parties of Arab countries lead the people in taking effective measures and make tremendous efforts to protect the lives and health of the people and minimize the negative impact of the pandemic. In the most difficult time for China, the governments and political parties of Arab countries expressed support to China through letters, calls, videos and other forms. Many countries donated medical materials to China, which we will always remember. When Arab countries were hit by the pandemic, the Chinese sympathized and provided assistance. The CPC and Chinese Government have fully supported the Arab countries by sending medical expert groups to Palestine, Iraq, Algeria, Sudan and other countries, donating medical materials to them, their political parties and non-governmental organizations, and introducing experience in epidemic prevention and control and resumption of production.

Zhu Rui, Assistant Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, conducts the meeting on June 22 in Beijing (IDCPC) 

For this special meeting with political parties in Arab countries, the CPC proposes to work with the political parties from various countries to gather political consensus, consolidate unity and cooperation, and work together to build a community with a shared future between China and Arab countries in the new era. To this end, I propose four ways:

First, we should maintain fairness and justice and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The CPC is ready to work with political parties in Arab countries to strengthen strategic communication to improve global governance, to continue to understand and support each other on issues involving both parties’ core interests and major concerns, and jointly defend the national interests of China, Arab countries and other developing countries.

Second, we should work together to promote the establishment of a community of common health for all. The CPC is ready to work with political parties in Arab countries to promote cooperation and policy coordination among countries, support WHO to play a leading role in global public health governance, and oppose the politicization of viruses.

Third, we should strengthen political guidance and promote the establishment of a new type of Sino-Arab political party relationship. In the next three years, the CPC plans to invite 200 Arab political party leaders to visit China every year, and is also ready to send delegations at the invitation of the Arab side to conduct in-depth exchanges on topics such as national governance, development paths, poverty eradication, and party development.

Fourth, we should promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen communication and mutual learning between Chinese and Arab civilizations. The CPC is ready to work with Arab parties to deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in education, science and technology, health, culture, sports, poverty alleviation, ecology and other fields.

The China-Arab political party dialogue is an important platform for exchanges and cooperation between the CPC and Arab parties. We look forward to insights from the participants to inspire each other and make positive contributions to building a China-Arab community with a shared future for humanity in the new era.