Abu Dhabi: TRENDS Research and Advisory recently hosted a symposium titled 'Cooperation between China and the Middle East and North Africa Region under the Global Security Initiative,' in collaboration with the China Centre for Europe and Africa of the China International Communications Group (CICG) and Foreign Languages Press. The event was attended by diplomats, thinkers, and researchers from the region and China.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, opened the symposium with a welcoming address. He reviewed China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), introduced in April 2022, highlighting its core principles aimed at ensuring security and promoting global peace. These principles focus on achieving common security, adhering to the UN Charter, respecting state sovereignty, and settling disputes peacefully. Al-Ali pointed out that these principles align with the region's strategic perceptions toward a pluralistic international order based on sustainable security, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Al-Ali underscored that the MENA region needs the spirit of this initiative to resolve crises, combat terrorism, and address climate and cyber challenges. He also mentioned that strong economic ties and the accession of many countries in the region to the Belt and Road Initiative facilitate greater cooperation under the GSI.
Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, emphasized that the world is experiencing unprecedented changes and increasing security challenges, making it crucial to implement the GSI in the Middle East and strengthen cooperation between China and the region. The ambassador reflected on the initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia in 2022, which calls for adapting to the evolving international landscape with a spirit of solidarity and addressing challenges with a win-win mentality. He noted that China and the Middle East have entered a significant period in their relations, with cooperation in many fields reaching notable achievements under the GSI.
Following this, Liu Dawei, Vice President of the China International Communications Group (CICG), delivered a speech on his behalf by Li Wenxue, Deputy Director of the Centre for Europe and Africa of CICG. The speech reviewed the theoretical and practical frameworks that underpin the Sino-Arab convergence on security and development issues, referring to the historical links between China and the Arab region through the ancient Silk Road and the modern Belt and Road Initiative. It highlighted that the UAE is a key focal point in this path, being China's largest trading partner in the Arab world and one of the most secure countries globally.
The symposium program included speeches by several prominent speakers who offered comprehensive perspectives on various aspects of cooperation between China and the region under the GSI.