The fifth workshop for officials from Arab States closes at SISU

he closing ceremony of the fifth workshop for officials from Arab States was held on Oct. 30，2018 by Center for China and Arab States Reform and Development Studies (the Center) at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU).

Li Yansong, president of SISU, Wang Di, deputy director-general of Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li Chengwen, ambassador on China-Arab States Cooperation Forum Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Counselor Jian Fangning, director of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and Multilateral Affairs Office of Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Wang Guangda, secretary-general and executive director of the Center’s council. President Li Yansong and deputy director-general Wang Di delivered closing addresses. Ashraf Ali Gadkarim, director of Department of Finance at League of Arab States (LAS), and Tarek Ladeb, director of Arabic and Islamic Organizations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tunisia, delivered speeches on behalf of LAS and all the participants respectively.

President Li Yansong congratulated the participants on their successful completion of the course. He pointed out that the relationship between China and Arab countries has a profound historical tradition and a solid realistic foundation. Currently, due to the western hegemonic discourse system and international and regional instability, there are some misunderstandings between the two sides. By inviting the participants to the workshop, the Center hopes both sides have equal and open communication. On the path of reform and development, China will always maintain exchanges and communication with Arab states to achieve mutual learning and common progress.  The Center offers a platform for scholars from China and Arab states to exchange ideas on an equal footing. And it is welcomed for Arab guests to put forward their suggestions on China's development so as to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen cooperation and exchanges and jointly build a China-Arab community of a shared future. As the organizer of the Center, SISU hopes the Center could actively integrate multidisciplinary resources in the university and introduce more leading talents specializing in Arab-states research so as to promote communication and cooperation between China and Arab states.

On behalf of the Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affair，deputy director-general Wang Di addressed his congratulations to all the participants on the successful completion of the program. He pointed out that all the participants had gained a deeper understanding of the theory, experience and prospect of China's reform and development, as well as China-Arab relationship, China-Arab joint efforts for the Belt and Road Initiative and the mechanism of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. During this 10-day workshop, representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese experts in various fields had also been inspired by the participants’ suggestions on the further development of China-Arab relationship. At present, China-Arab strategic relationship has been developing vigorously. It is high time for China and Arab states to further deepen understanding and exchanges experience in state governance and reform and development. He hoped that the participants would deepen China-Arab friendship, promoters China-Arab development and cooperation, and contribute to the further development of China-Arab relationship.

Director Ashraf Ali Gadkarim said that China was one of the most important strategic partners of Arab states. The two sides have strong historical and cultural ties, and have always maintained friendly relationship, supporting each other on issues of common concern. He promised that LAS secretariat would fully support all the activities of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, especially activities of the Center that serves as a bridge communicating officials of both sides. He hoped that the workshop would continue to make contributions to the comprehensive partnership, strategic cooperation, cultural exchanges, security and peace, and development of both sides.

Director Tarek Ladebmentioned that the achievements made by China as well as the hospitality, integrity, diligence, tolerance and aspiration for peace of Chinese people had left deep impression on the participants. They had benefited a lot from the lectures, visits and meetings during the 10-day workshop. He said that he was eager to continue to strengthen the cooperation between China and Arab states in various fields.

Every participant received a certificate, souvenirs, and a book named New ideas, Thoughts and strategies of State Governance under the Leadership of the CPC Central Committeewith Comrade Xi Jinping as the Core in the Arabic language at the closing ceremony.

Before the closing ceremony, President Li Yansong exchanged views with Vice Director Wang Di on the further development of the Center.