China and the Arab people have always maintained friendly tradition and China believes the Arab states are an important force on international arena and China has attached importance to developing friendly and cooperative ties with the Arab nations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made the remarks Saturday at a press conference of the Second Session of the 10th National People's Congress.

Politically, China and the Arab countries are all committed to world's and regional peace and stability. Economically, both sides regard the economic development and improvement of people's livelihood as their common tasks. The two sides are complementary in economy and there exists great potential in bilateral cooperation, Li said.

Last year, the trade volume between China and the Arab states totaled 25.4 billion US dollars, up 43 percent from the previous year. In addition, the cultural, scientific and technological and educational exchanges between China and the Arab nations were also increasing.

In early this year, the first overseas trip in 2004 by Chinese President Hu Jintao was made to Arab states and he also visited the headquarters of the Arab League. It's during the visit that China and the Arab side declared the establishment of the China- Arab Cooperation Forum and China is discussing with the Arab League to launch the forum as soon as possible.

"We have full confidence in the future of cooperation between China and the Arab states and cooperation between China and the Arab League," Li said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 6, 2004)