Arab nations back China's stance on resolving maritime disputes

DOHA, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Arab nations at a cooperation forum with China said here Thursday that they support Beijing for its efforts to settle territorial and maritime disputes through talks.

In a statement issued at the 7th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum, the participating Arab countries said they support China's efforts to peacefully resolve territorial and maritime differences with certain nations through friendly dialogues and negotiations.

They also stressed that the rights of sovereign nations as well as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea signatories to choose how they solve their disputes should be respected.

Earlier, Arab League Secretary-General Nabil al-Araby made a similar remarks at a joint press conference with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Jassim Al-Thani.

He said both the Arab world and China will continue to support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.

Under the theme of "Working together on the Belt and Road Initiative and deepening China-Arab strategic cooperation," the seventh CASCF ministerial meeting will be held Thursday in Doha, capital of Qatar.

Around 200 representatives from 22 Arab countries will discuss the future development of the China-Arab relations with Chinese delegations led by Wang Yi.