On May 13, 2010, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum opened in Tianjin. Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech, comprehensively expounding the Chinese government’s views and policy propositions on the current international political and economic situations and proposing the establishment of China-Arab strategic cooperative relationship for comprehensive cooperation and common development in a bid to keep pushing the wheels of peace, development and progress of mankind forward.

Wen extended warm congratulations on the opening of the meeting on behalf of the Chinese government. He said that the establishment of China-Arab Cooperation Forum is a strategic choice made by China and Arab countries in view of the long-term development of China-Arab relations in the 21st century and a major initiative taken by China to strengthen the collective dialogue and cooperation with developing countries. The establishment of the Forum has greatly promoted the development of bilateral relations and propelled the cooperation in various fields.

Wen said that over the past half a century and more, the Arab people and the Chinese people have stuck together through thick and thin, accumulated profound friendship, deepened mutual understanding and created common wealth, which should be cherished and remembered forever.

Wen pointed out that over the past two years, the world has experienced severe impacts and tough tests of the international financial crisis. With the joint efforts of the international community, the world economy is slowly recovering, but the fundamentals are not strong. “We must not underestimate the seriousness and complexity of the crisis and its far-reaching political and economic impacts on the world. We must always remain sober minded, observe the crisis in a calm manner, support each other in the fight against the crisis and strive to eliminate barriers to sustainable recovery of global economy. First, we need to create a peaceful and stable international environment and lay a solid political foundation for the comprehensive and steady recovery of global economy. Without a peaceful and stable environment, there is no development to speak of. The international community should strongly advocate the idea of “peace being precious” and continue to carry forward the spirit of staying in the same boat to overcome difficulties. Second, we need to promote the reform on international economic and financial system and accelerate the establishment of a just and rational international economic and financial order. The international community should clear up the sources and get to the bottom of problems, suit the remedy to the case, and strengthen governance from the root of the crisis. We need to explore the establishment of a more effective global economic governance regime, encourage broader participation of all parties and take care of the interests and concerns of all parties. We must strengthen international cooperation in financial regulation. We need to take a firm position against all forms of protectionism and strongly advocate and support free trade. Third, we need to accelerate the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and strive to narrow the North-South gap. The international community should put more attention and care to poor regions and people and take substantial measures to assist developing countries in maintaining financial stability and economic growth. Developed countries in particular should bear their corresponding obligations. Fourth, we need to strive to maintain energy security, make positive responses to climate change, and promote sustainable development of world economy. The international community should establish a new energy security concept featuring mutually beneficial cooperation, diversified development and coordinated guarantee, and vigorously develop clean and renewable energies. We need to adhere to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" and continue to advance the historical process of climate change.”

Wen said that in the face of profound changes in the international situation, the consensus, common interests and mutual needs between China and Arab countries are increasing and strengthening. Uplifting the China-Arab relationship in various fields is in line with the fundamental interests of the people and also conducive to world peace and development. China is willing to work together with Arab countries to greatly strengthen strategic coordination, comprehensively expand trade and economic cooperation, and vigorously carry out cultural and people-to-people exchanges in a bid to advance China-Arab relations.

Wen Jiabao lastly said, “Let us join hands, walk along the historical path, keep up with the trend of the times and move towards the shining path of lasting peace and prosperity.”

Member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the CPC Zhang Gaoli and State Councilor Dai Bingguo also attended the opening ceremony. Foreign ministers, ministers, and representatives of China and 22 Arab countries and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States participated in the meeting.