Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha on Tuesday underscored the importance of China-Arab cooperation in all fields to achieve mutual benefits on basis of mutual respect.

Taha made the remarks when addressing the opening session of the 2nd conference of the China-Arab Energy Cooperation of the Arab-China Cooperation Forum in the Khartoum Friendship Hall.

“Sudan, which is hosting this conference, constitutes a model to follow in bilateral cooperation with China. It is a cooperation that has achieved great success for both sides. It stands on mutual respect and equality,” Taha said.

He called for mapping out plans and strategies to enhance the China-Arab cooperation and confront the global challenges, adding that “this fruitful cooperation should be preserved under the current world circumstances. The Arab countries’ economic progress and the Chinese experiences should be utilized.”

Head of the Chinese delegation to the conference and Deputy Director of the Chinese National Energy Administration Liu Qi for his part, said that “the Sino-Arab cooperation is a fruitful one and achieves mutual benefits.”

“The Arab states enjoy various vital resources and China maintains experience in field of modern technology. Through cooperation, we can achieve positive and beneficial outcome for both sides,” he said.

In the meantime, Mohamed bin Ibrahim al-Tuwaijri, the Arab League assistant secretary general for economic affairs, described the China-Arab cooperation as “strategic.”

“China’s relationship with the Arab states is strategic and progressive. It is a model for South-South cooperation,” he said.

The 2nd conference of the China-Arab Energy Cooperation kicked off at the Sudanese capital of Khartoum Tuesday with participation of officials and representatives of the Arab states, China, the Arab League besides businessmen and experts in field of energy.

The conference will last for three days.