President Xi talks about revival of journey taken by an Omani sailor in ancient times on 'Sohar' ship

Riyadh: Chinese President Xi Jinping cited the depth of Chinese-Arab historical relations that go back more than 2,000 years, to the sea voyages undertaken by the Omani sailor Abu Obeida Abdallah bin Qasim to the Chinese city of Guangzhou more than 1,200 years ago on board a ship that was launched from the Omani port of Sohar.

In an article in a Saudi newspaper, Xi touched on the revival of the journey taken by a Sultanate of Oman sailor in ancient times on the 'Sohar' ship that sailed from the Sultanate of Oman to China, following the Maritime Silk route which is 9,600 km.

Xi said that China has built its diplomatic relations with Arab countries since the 1950s on mutual respect and common interests, and that after entering the 21st century, these relations have moved forward with balanced steps in light of the changes in the international situation, and achieved leaps in mutual trust politically and mutual benefit economically and benefiting. culturally mutual.

He added that China and the Arab countries are moving forward in developing areas of cooperation, such as China's signing with 20 Arab countries of cooperation documents on building the "Belt and Road", in addition to solidarity in a number of regional and international political issues, including the Palestinian issue.

He explained that the Arab-Chinese and Chinese-Gulf summits will consolidate the historical friendship between the two sides and open a new era for relations, pointing out that the Gulf Cooperation Council is one of the most vital regional organisations in the world and that its countries are a geographical hub linking Asia, Africa and Europe because of their prominent geographical advantage.

And a treasure of energy that feeds the global economy and a fertile ground for the development of modern and advanced technology industries, works to build a unified market and economy and plays an increasingly important role in international and regional affairs, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that his country will take advantage of these relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to enhance strategic partnership in various fields, especially humanitarian, cultural, trade, investment, energy and innovation.