Beijing, 22 June 2020

On the occasion of the opening of the China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue Extraordinary Meeting, I would like to express, on behalf of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and in my own name, warm congratulations and sincere greetings to the participating political party leaders from Arab states.

China and Arab states enjoy an enduring friendship dating back to antiquity. Chinese and Arab peoples, erstwhile close companions along the ancient Silk Road, are working together to advance the Belt and Road cooperation to realize our common aspiration of national prosperity and rejuvenation. In the face of the unexpected COVID-19 outbreak, China and Arab states have rendered each other help and fought shoulder to shoulder, opening up a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for China and Arab states. Hardship reveals true friendship. Having gone through this joint fight against the coronavirus, the China-Arab Strategic Partnership now enjoys an even stronger foundation, closer people-to-people friendship and brighter prospects for cooperation.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has once again laid bare that we humanity share a common future. The CPC and the Chinese government have always put people's lives and health first. Through our all-out efforts to save lives, China has scored major strategic achievements in epidemic control. With openness, transparency and a sense of responsibility, China has pursued and promoted international cooperation in COVID-19 response and has done everything to the best of its ability to support and assist the international fight against the outbreak. China remains ready to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Arab states and indeed the international community to support the World Health Organisation's leading role and work together to build a global community of health for all.

The China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue is an important platform for party-to-party exchanges and cooperation between China and Arab states. Confronted with the new situation and new challenges in the wake of COVID-19, the CPC is willing to work side by side with political parties of Arab states to bring into better play the role of this platform through intensified strategic communication and sharing of governance experience against the backdrop of day-to-day epidemic prevention and control. In the spirit of mutual respect and mutual learning, we shall work tirelessly toward the building of a community with a shared future for China and Arab states in the new era and the great rejuvenation for both the Chinese people and the Arab people.

I wish the China-Arab States Political Parties Dialogue Extraordinary Meeting a complete success!