Senior officials from China and Arab League member states convened Wednesday in Rabat for the 20th Senior Officials Meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the 9th Strategic Political Dialogue, with the aim of bolstering strategic cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
Delegations included high-ranking representatives from Arab foreign ministries, a senior Chinese delegation encompassing various sectors and institutions, and officials from the Arab League's General Secretariat.
Morocco's hosting of these sessions underscores the Kingdom’s commitment, in line with the High Guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to strengthening ties with China and fellow Arab nations, emphasizing mutual respect, solidarity, and shared development.
Discussions focused on enhancing the China-Arab partnership, expanding economic collaboration, and intensifying consultations on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to a multifaceted cooperation framework grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
The final communiqué expressed support for HM King Mohammed VI's efforts as Chairman of the al-Quds Committee, highlighting its role in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of al-Quds and supporting its residents through initiatives led by the Bayt Mal al-Quds Agency.
Participants reiterated their backing for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state with East al-Quds as its capital, based on the 1967 borders and relevant international resolutions. They commended Morocco's organization of the 5th Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in Rabat on May 20, 2025.
The sessions also lauded Morocco's Atlantic initiatives aimed at fostering economic integration and cooperation among regional countries, promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
In the realm of international peace and security, both parties welcomed Morocco's presidency of the 6th Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction. They also expressed support for Morocco's leadership of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
Addressing transnational crime, terrorism, and separatism, the delegations emphasized the necessity of enhanced security cooperation, information exchange, and joint efforts to combat the financing of such activities. They condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, advocating for its eradication and the elimination of its root causes.
The establishment of the United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, inaugurated in Rabat in June 2021, was recognized as a significant step in regional counter-terrorism efforts.
On regional crises, the parties underscored the importance of political solutions that respect the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Arab countries. They acknowledged Morocco's contributions to Libya's stability, particularly referencing the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement signed in Skhirat.
China's initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, were acknowledged as frameworks enhancing China-Arab cooperation in infrastructure, trade, digital economy, and logistics.
Economically, the discussions highlighted the need to attract Chinese investments to the Arab world and increase trade volumes, focusing on sectors like infrastructure, industry, technology, renewable energy, tourism, health, and artificial intelligence. The AI Movement center at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Morocco, designated as a UNESCO Category II Center, was commended for its role in advancing AI research and development in Africa.
The outcomes of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in Marrakech in February 2025, were praised, particularly the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration, which calls for halving road deaths by 2030 through political commitment and sustained funding. Morocco's leadership in the 6th United Nations Environment Assembly was also acknowledged.
Cultural cooperation and dialogue among civilizations were emphasized as vital for mutual understanding and communication. The importance of social policy collaboration and women's empowerment in achieving sustainable development was also highlighted.
In youth and sports, participants welcomed Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, and Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 tournament, recognizing these events' potential to foster regional unity and development.
The Rabat sessions marked a significant step toward deepening China-Arab relations, with the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum serving as a high-level platform for dialogue, consultation, and fruitful cooperation across various fields.
MAP: 22 mai 2025
