Djiboutian FM calls China-Arab relations exemplary

Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Monday that the friendly ties between Arab countries and China are exemplary, as recently shown in their joint combat against COVID-19.

Youssouf made the remarks at the 9th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, held Monday via video link, and co-chaired by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

A friend in need is a friend indeed, Youssouf said, adding that it is what both sides have proved in their joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending the meeting were foreign ministers of Arab League (AL) member states as well as AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit.

Youssouf said that Arab countries provided supplies to China in its most difficult time of combating the COVID-19 outbreak, and when Arab states themselves were hit by the virus, they received strong support from China, which offered anti-epidemic supplies, sent expert teams, shared its experience in epidemic control and economic reopening.

Youssouf added that his country has actively responded to China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and participated in the joint construction of the Belt and Road.

Djibouti also welcomes the call for jointly building a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era, he said, adding that it is a timely proposal and that his country is willing to work with China to lift the China-Arab strategic partnership to a new level.