ABU DHABI, 19th May, 2025 (WAM) -- TRENDS Research & Advisory hosted a symposium titled "Cooperation between China and the Middle East and North Africa Region under the Global Security Initiative," in collaboration with the China Centre for Europe and Africa of the China International Communications Group (CICG) and Foreign Languages Press.

The event saw high-level attendance of diplomats, thinkers, and researchers from the region and China.

Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, opened the symposium with a welcoming address in which he reviewed China's Global Security Initiative (GSI), introduced in April 2022, underlining its core principles aimed at ensuring security and promoting global peace, particularly achieving common security, adhering to the UN Charter, respecting state sovereignty, and settling disputes peacefully.

He noted that these principles align with the region's strategic perceptions toward a pluralistic international order built on sustainable security, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Al-Ali emphasised that the MENA region needs the spirit of this initiative to resolve crises, combat terrorism, and address climate and cyber challenges.

He also noted that strong economic ties and the accession of many countries in the region to the Belt and Road Initiative pave the way for greater cooperation under the GSI.

Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of China to the UAE, noted that the world is witnessing unprecedented changes and mounting security challenges, making it vital to focus on implementing the GSI in the Middle East and strengthening cooperation between China and the region.

The ambassador reviewed the initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia in 2022, which calls for adapting to the changing international landscape with a spirit of solidarity and facing challenges with a win-win mentality. He noted that China and the countries of the Middle East, under the umbrella of the GSI, have entered the best historical period in their relations, with cooperation in various fields reaching remarkable landmarks.

This was followed by a speech by Liu Dawei, Vice President of the China International Communications Group (CICG), delivered on his behalf by Li Wenxue, Deputy Director of the Centre for Europe and Africa of CICG. The speech reviewed the theoretical and practical frameworks that underpin the Sino-Arab convergence on security and development issues, referring to the historical background linking China to the Arab region through the ancient Silk Road and the modern Belt and Road Initiative.

It highlighted that the UAE constitutes a fundamental focal point in this path as China's largest trading partner in the Arab world and one of the most secure countries globally.

The symposium programme included speeches by a number of prominent speakers who provided in-depth perspectives on various aspects of cooperation between China and the region under the GSI.