President Sisi to Attend China-Arab Cooperation Forum Opening in Beijing

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Tunisian President Kais Saied, and Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for state visits until June 1.

They will participate in the opening ceremony of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People, alongside President Xi Jinping.

During a press conference attended by foreign journalists and Arab media representatives, Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li stated that President Xi will hold bilateral talks with each of the four leaders. These discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Deng Li emphasized that the forum aims to strengthen "the consensus between China and Arab countries." The event will be co-chaired by senior diplomat Wang Yi and his Mauritanian counterpart, and is expected to yield a joint stance on the Palestinian issue.

Vice Minister Deng Li shared more information about the tenth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, starting in Beijing on May 30. He underscored the special importance of this year’s forum, given the current Middle Eastern and global contexts, particularly the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

The Palestinian issue will be a central topic, with discussions on the recent violence that began on October 7, which has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, including many women and children. Deng Li reiterated China's commitment to the Palestinian cause and urged other nations to fulfill their humanitarian responsibilities.

China has a long history of supporting Arab relations and cooperation, signing numerous agreements with Arab countries. Since the China-Arab Cooperation Forum was established 20 years ago, over 200 joint projects worth more than $400 billion have been launched, marking a tenfold increase in cooperation. In the past year alone, 260 million tons of goods were exchanged between China and Arab nations.

Deng Li emphasized that this year’s ministerial meeting coincides with China’s efforts to deepen the comprehensive, multidimensional cooperation with Arab countries. The forum aims to enhance solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and contribute to building a shared future for humanity.

The last two decades have been marked by active high-level exchanges between China and Arab nations. Leaders from both sides have shown significant interest in developing the forum, setting clear directions for advancing China-Arab relations and collective cooperation.