Xi sends congratulations to Arab League meeting

President Xi Jinping said on Friday that China is ready to work with Arab countries to promote China-Arab friendship, implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit and build a higher level of strategic partnership.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message sent to Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the Arab League, on the convening of the 32nd Arab League Summit in the Saudi port city of Jeddah.

The Arab League, committed to seeking strength through unity in the Arab world, has been actively promoting peace, stability and development in the Middle East, he said.

Referring to Saudi Arabia as an important force in the multipolar world, Xi expressed appreciation for the country's active contribution to strengthening solidarity among Arab countries and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

The president noted that the China-Arab strategic partnership, which has witnessed fruitful results in recent years, has become an example of South-South cooperation and win-win cooperation.

During the first China-Arab States Summit held in Riyadh last December, the leaders agreed to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, promote regional peace and development and uphold international fairness and justice.

The summit was an epoch-making milestone in the development of China-Arab relations, Xi said.

Looking ahead, China is willing to work together with the Arab countries and continue to write a new chapter of China-Arab friendship, Xi said.

The 32nd Arab League Summit, which kicked off on Friday, will discuss regional and global issues that are crucial to the region's stability.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attended the summit for the first time since his country was suspended from the Arab League after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

The readmission of Syria to the pan-Arab body, the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will top the agenda of the summit.

Xinhua contributed to the story.