Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan Wednesday hailed Chinese-Arab relations, saying that he hoped China and Arab countries would further friendship through the platform of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum.

He said the forum is an important platform for dialogue and cooperation and is of significance to China-Arab friendship and cooperation.

Tang made the remark in a meeting with representatives from the League of Arab States secretariat and other participants attending the two-day high-level meeting of the forum which was opened Tuesday in Beijing. It is the second of its kind.

He said he hoped China and the Arab countries would cooperate to improve the forum and enrich its content so as to push forward Chinese-Arab ties.

"The Chinese government values its traditional friendship with the Arab countries," Tang said, adding that China will follow the guiding principles on China-Arab relations put forward by President Hu Jintao during his visit to the League of Arab States. The priciples emphasize political equality and mutual trust, economic cooperation for mutual benefit, further cultural exchanges and close coordination in key international issues, including UN reforms.

Representatives from the Arab states said they hoped to further coordination and cooperation with China in all areas and build a new partnership.

Source: Xinhua