China and Arab countries Tuesday in Cairo signed a joint declaration and an action plan for the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum (SACF).

According to a press release issued by the Arab League (AL) Secretariat, the two documents were signed by AL Secretary General Amr Moussa and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during a SACF ministerial meeting.

In order to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the Arab countries and China, the SACF held its first ministerial meeting on Tuesday at the AL premises in Cairo, which was also attended by foreign ministers of Arab countries, said the press release.

The two sides believed that the SACF would be a new instrument for enhancing multilateral dialogue and cooperation between China and the Arab countries, it added.

The SACF joint declaration and the action plan aim to enrich the Sino-Arab relations and strengthen cooperation in an all-around way, said the press release.

It noted that the Chinese and Arab foreign ministers exchanged views in-depth in a cordial way on cooperation relations between China and the Arab countries in the new era and how to set up an effective cooperation forum.

"The two sides reiterated determination to support each other in regard to safeguarding the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said.

According to the press release, China supports the Arab countries' legitimate rights and national interests. Meanwhile, the Arab countries reaffirmed commitment to the one-China policy.

"The two sides will adopt positive steps to activate the Arab-Chinese cooperation and in economy, trade, investment, electricity, culture, mass media and human resources sectors with a view to achieving common development for both sides, it said.

"The two sides underscored the importance of broader cooperation and coordination and the necessity of maintaining world peace and stability," it added.

The Chinese foreign minister arrived here Sunday evening for a three-day visit to Egypt, which is the last stop of his current Mideast trip, which has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman.

He is expected to leave for China Tuesday evening after attending the ministerial meeting of the Sino-Arab Cooperation Forum.