Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Monday hailed the existing relations between Arab countries and China as exemplary, noting the cooperation the sides have shown in the fight 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.
The meeting was also attended by other foreign ministers from the Arab League member states as well as the Arab league Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit.
Youssouf highlighted the material support the Arab nation offered China as it battled the COVID-19 outbreak, then when the Arab states also had to battle the disease, China reciprocated the help and 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.
