Aspiring young politicians link with Arab states

The third China-Arab States Young Political Leaders Forum, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, is designed to contribute to dialogue between Chinese and Arab civilizations and promote youth exchanges.

It is the first time the forum, normally held online, will be held in person. More than 100 politicians from 21 Arab countries will meet Chinese youth representatives for face-to-face conversations.

Jiao Zhixin, director of the Third Bureau of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said the forum is an important multilateral event to implement the outcomes of the first China-Arab Summit and the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. It will foster enhanced dialogue between Chinese and Arab civilizations, Jiao said.

"We not only combine local development achievements and cultural characteristics to help Arab youth understand China and the CPC more vividly and concretely but also give play to the advantages of central and local coordination to promote exchanges and cooperation," Jiao said.

The forum features multiple activities, including subtopic discussions, on-site visits and special topic presentations.

Cang Feng, deputy director general of Office of Foreign Affairs Commission of the Guangdong Committee of the CPC, said Guangdong has actively expanded communication channels with Arab countries, with more frequent high-level visits and exchanges in recent years.

"Six Arab countries including Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Iraq have now established consulates in Guangzhou," Cang said.

Guangdong's foreign trade with Arab countries has long led the nation. In the first three quarters of this year, the province's import and export volume with Arab countries reached 269.4 billion yuan ($37.95 billion), a year-on-year increase of 12.76 percent.

About 34,000 Arab business representatives visited and purchased Chinese products at the 136th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), which ended earlier this month.

Since its establishment in 2021, the forum has been held twice through video conferencing to promote mutual learning, exchanges and cooperation among young politicians from China and Arab countries. It has also helped gather youth strength and promote a China-Arab community with a shared future.