As early as more than 2,000 years ago, the ancient land and maritime Silk Roads played an important role in promoting economic and cultural exchanges between China and the Arab world and enhancing understanding and trust between the Chinese and Arab peoples.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, China-Arab relations entered a new stage. In 1956, Egypt became the first Arab country to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, followed by other Arab countries.

On January 30, 2004, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum was officially launched, setting up a new platform for China-Arab States cooperation in the 21st century. Through various mechanisms such as culture and arts festivals and science and technology conferences, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum has become an important engine for promoting the development of Arab-China relations in various fields.

Since the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed in 2013, Arab countries have responded positively, making it a new platform for strategic cooperation and mutual benefit between China and the Arab world. With the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the sustainable development strategies of many Arab countries, China-Arab cooperation has further deepened. Up to now, China has established comprehensive strategic partnerships or strategic partnerships with 14 Arab countries and the Arab League.

The cooperation between China and Arab countries is all-dimensional, forward-looking and aimed at common development. Strategic mutual trust between China and Arab countries has been strengthened and bilateral relations have developed in a comprehensive, fast and in-depth way. This dynamic relationship opens up broad prospects for future development and cooperation.

On January 1 this year, with China's support and encouragement, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran and the United Arab Emirates officially joined the BRICS cooperation mechanism. The participation of the four Middle Eastern countries has enhanced their ability to tap their own potential, strengthen cooperation and promote local economic development, making BRICS + a new platform for exchanges and cooperation in the entire Arab region.

In the long course of history, the Chinese and Arab civilizations have constantly interacted and inspired each other with an open and inclusive attitude. The ancient Silk Road was once a witness of bilateral cooperation and exchanges, and today's Belt and Road Initiative has injected new vitality and impetus into China-Arab cooperation. In this era of change, the development of China-Arab relations is no longer limited to the region, but has global impact. The two sides have deepened cooperation in economic, political, cultural and other fields, making important contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large. Editor/Wang Tian