Roundup: Sudan analysts say China's Arab Policy Paper official commitment to open new cooperation horizons

China's Arab Policy Paper constitutes an official commitment and opens new cooperation horizons between China and the Arab countries in many fields, particularly the economic and trade domain, Sudanese officials and analysts said.

Adil Merghani, official in charge of Sudan's Industrial and Trade Chambers, told Xinhua that the issuance of China's Arab policy paper represents a new chapter in the Sino-Arab ties.

China-Arab relations, "based on deeply-rooted principles of joint cooperation, common interests and mutual respect... have become a model for the South-South cooperation," Merghani said.

"The issuing of this comprehensive document avails new opportunities for both sides to further deepen these standing ties," he added.

Merghani expressed optimism that the document would open new passages in the distinguished relationship between Sudan and China.

"The document includes items relating to encouraging communication between the private sectors in China and the Arab countries," he said. "We are optimistic that this would enhance the investment opportunities between Sudan and China."

Sanhouri Iyssa, who heads the Economic Section of Sudan's Al Ray Al Am daily, said the document shapes the political commitments into program implementable by China's state bodies.

"The policy of common interests proved to be very successful, and under the current tensions in the Arab region, the Arab world needs a country which gives priority to the sound of reason, and China has proved to be qualified to play this role," added Iyssa, describing the document as "historical."

Regarding Sudan, Iyssa noted that "Sudan can benefit from the document as it avails investment opportunities in fields other than the oil domain such as agriculture, medicine, manufacturing and exchange of modern technologies, particularly at a time when Sudan is under a Western siege."

Abdul-Rahim Al-Sunni, a Sudanese economic analyst, said the document "reiterates once again China's readiness to play its leadership role in consolidating its ties with the Arab countries and help them achieve development through joint action."

"Once again China emphasizes its adherence to its principles which are based on cooperation, common interests and non-intervention in others' affairs," Al-Sunni said. "Such principles made China a partner accepted for both Arab and African countries."

On Wednesday, the Chinese government issued a policy paper to review and summarize the development of China-Arab ties.

The document reiterated that the Arab states are China's important partners in following the peaceful development path, strengthening unity and cooperation among developing countries and establishing a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation at its core. Endit