BEIJING - Arabstoday
China on Tuesday congratulated Nabil el- Arabi on being elected the new secretary general of the Arab League and said it looks forward to his contributions toward the development of China-Arab relations. \"We hope he will contribute to the unity and stability of the Arab world, as well as an in-depth development of the China-Arab strategic relationship of cooperation,\" said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu at a regular press briefing . According to the Chinese Xinhua News Agency, Arab League is an important regional organization that plays a special role in international and regional affairs. She said China values its relationship with Arab countries and consistently strives for greater cooperation with them. \"We hope Palestine and Israel will positively respond to the international community\'s efforts and restart negotiations as soon as possible,\" Jiang said. The China-Arab Cooperation Forum, which was established in 2004, aims to enhance dialogue and cooperation and promote peace and development. China and the Arab League\'s 22 countries are the forum\'s members.Jiang spoke highly of outgoing secretary general Moussa\'s contributions to China-Arab relations and cooperation within the forum.