(TAP) - Foreign Minister Noureddine Erray said global changes, particularly in connection with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic pose several challenges that require enhancing international solidarity as well as security and stability in the world.

"It is necessary to combine efforts to implement the Tunisian initiative adopted unanimously by the UN Security Council for a humanitarian truce and the cessation of hostilities in the world," he pointed out.

In his remarks to the 9th session of the China-Arab States Co-operation Forum, jointly chaired by Jordan and China, the minister emphasised Tunisia's determination to continue supporting the Palestinian cause and rejecting the annexation plan that threatens the two-state solution.

This commitment is in line with Tunisia's presidency of the Arab Summit and its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, he recalled.

Erray also stressed the need to defend the unity of the Arab states, preserve their sovereignty and respect the political settlements of crises, first and foremost the Libyan crisis.

"Efforts must be channeled to put an end to hostilities and achieve the expected political settlement in the framework of an inter-Libyan solution, in accordance with the resolutions of international legality," he said.

On another level, the minister welcomed the momentum in the China-Arab relations in recent years, especially with regard to crucial Arab issues.

The minister also commended the level of joint cooperation in the various economic, social and cultural fields, calling for every effort to be made to further develop these relations, especially in areas where China is a global leader, namely ICTs.

For the Minister, it is important to activate the Arab-Chinese cooperation in terms of tourist flows, training and retraining by accelerating the setting up of the Arab-Chinese centre for tourism and hotel training in Tunisia.

"Tunisia's adhesion to the Chinese initiative "the Belt and Road" is a new step to further enhance Tunisian-Chinese relations," he stressed, expressing Tunisia's aspiration to step up trade and reduce the trade balance deficit through, in particular, the intensification of Chinese investments in Tunisia.

In addition, Tunisia has offered to host the 11th session of China-Arab Sates Co-operation Forum that will coincide with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Tunisian-Chinese diplomatic relations.

The Amman Declaration issued at the end of the Forum highlighted the positions of Arab countries and China on the main political, regional and international issues of common interest, and their shared vision on ways to further develop China-Arab cooperation in various fields.

The Declaration also stressed the imperative of implementing the executive programme for the period 2020/2022.

The two sides also agreed to intensify cooperation in the field of health, particularly in the fight against COVID-19.

© Tap 2020 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Disclaimer: The content of this article is syndicated or provided to this website from an external third party provider. We are not responsible for, and do not control, such external websites, entities, applications or media publishers. The body of the text is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this article. Read our full disclaimer policy here.