KHARTOUM, Jan. 14 -- China's first Arab Policy Paper, in the form of an official commitment, will open up new cooperation horizons between China and Arab countries, Sudanese analysts said.
Adil Merghani, an official in charge of Sudan's industrial and trade chambers, told Xinhua that the policy paper, issued some six decades after the establishment of relations between China and the Arab world, marks a new chapter and will provide new opportunities for both sides to further deepen the standing ties.
"The relations have been based on deeply rooted principles of joint cooperation, common interests and mutual respect, and have become a model for South-South cooperation," he said.
The Chinese government issued its first Arab Policy Paper on Wednesday. It reviews the historical bonds linking China and Arab countries, policies and fields and horizons of common cooperation.
The document reiterates that China sees the Arab states as important partners in the pursuit of peaceful development, in boosting cooperation among developing countries and establishing a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation at its core.
"Once again China emphasizes its adherence to its principles based on cooperation, common interests and non-intervention. Such principles made China a partner accepted for both Arab and African countries," said Abdul-Rahim Al-Sunni, an economic analyst.
Sanhouri Iyssa, head of economic section of Sudan's Al Ray Al Am daily, said that such a document will create opportunities to build on the standing Sino-Arab partnership, given the fact that "the Arab countries need provision of food, production inputs and modern technologies."
It provides investment opportunities in fields other than the oil sector, Iyssa said, citing agriculture, medicine and other technologies.
Merghani said the move by China will usher in new chapters in the relationship between Sudan and China and that it encourages cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries.
"We are optimistic that this would enhance the investment opportunities between Sudan and China," he said. "Sudan enjoys excellent industrial infrastructure that needs funding and industrial inputs."
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