Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R) meets with Arab officials at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing May 31, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxun (2nd R Front), Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (1st L Front) and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa (1st R Front) pose for a group photo with Arab representatives before the opening of the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Beijing May 31, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan addresses the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Beijing May 31, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa addresses the Second Ministerial Meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Beijing May 31, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

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    BEIJING, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Wednesday that China will work with the Arab states to further promote friendly cooperation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides.

    Hu made the remarks while meeting with the foreign ministers and representatives from the 22 Arab states and Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Amr Mahmoud Moussa, who are here attending a meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

    "China thanks the Arab states for supporting China in Taiwan and human rights issues and will as always support the just cause of the Arab states and people," said Hu.

    Hu called for further economic cooperation between China and the Arab states, saying the two sides are expected to expand cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, energy and environmental protection.

    The two sides "will explore new mechanism and ways of cooperation in a bid to lift the China-Arab pragmatic cooperation to a new height," Hu added.

    On international and regional affairs, Hu suggested that the regional disputes be resolved peacefully through consultations and dialogue.

    The China-Arab Cooperation Forum, established in 2004, has been an important platform for dialogue and cooperation and has been a good example for the cooperation between developing countries, said the Arab ministers.

    The Arab delegates reiterated their consistent adherence to the One-China policy and appreciated the positive roles China has played in supporting the "just cause" of the Arab people and international affairs. Enditem

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