China-Arab co-op forum plays important role in boosting mutual ties: Syrian official

The Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnous told Xinhua in an interview on Monday that the China- Arab Cooperation Forum (CACF) has played an important role in boosting the economic, commercial and social ties between China and Arab League Countries.

＂The relationships between the Arab World and China are historically deeply-rooted, and the China-Arab Cooperation Forum serves as an important platform to strengthen the economic, commercial and cultural cooperations between China and the Arab world,＂ Arnous told Xinhua on the eve of the ministerial conference of the CACF scheduled for May 13, in Tianjin, China.

Arnous, heading a Syrian delegation, will attend the conference.

Regarding the Sino-Syrian ties, the Syrian official said that the two countries have long-time friendship dating back to the Silk Road Era, and the two sides have made continuous efforts to boost mutual cooperations since Syria and China established diplomatic relations in 1956.

The deputy minister said that China supported Syria's commitment to achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the relevant UN resolutions, particularly reclaiming the occupied Golan Heights.

＂There is a high-level coordination between the two countries on the various international and regional affairs at all of the international forums. Syria appreciates the Chinese stances which support the UN resolutions relating the Arab-Israeli conflicts,＂ He said.

Arnous confirmed that many Chinese companies have explored the Syrian market in recent years, especially in oil, gas and electricity fields, highlighting that the trade volume between the two countries has multiplied from 2005 to 2009 to almost 1.6 billion U.S. dollars.

He also affirmed that the Arab-Chinese cooperation would help in achieving lasting stability and peace in the region, referring that ＂China is providing a good example in this respect.＂

The fourth Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum will be held on May 13-14 in Tianjin, China. The meeting, with the theme of deepening comprehensive cooperation and realizing common development, would give impetus to the China-Arab friendship.