"Cultural ties between China and Arab nations carry common features that mainly seek to spread peace and mutual interests, and that call for building the democracy of relations and the respect of other cultures," said the Egyptian minister.

Both Arab states and China have a long history of civilization and rich cultural and artistic resources, said Abu Ghazaleh, adding that strengthening cultural cooperation is an effective way to enhance the exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations.

This cultural event shows the strong will of Arab countries to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields, she said, noting that the Arab League will actively work to promote the sustainable development of Arab-China cooperation in various fields.

Nawar said his painting was inspired by his visit to China in 2013, when he toured the Asian country and felt overwhelmed with the beauty of its natural heritage and elements of civilization.

Impressed by the progress he and other Arab artists saw in China in all fields, Nawar told Xinhua that he felt a necessity to help promote the dialogue between Chinese and Arab civilizations and to enhance the artistic and cultural exchanges.

Standing in front of his painting, Amr Douqman, an artist from Algeria, said his work was motivated by Chinese characters and calligraphy.

The Chinese signs are not simple letters, they are like waves that flow with freedom, said Douqman, who traveled to China three times. "Art helps me to fly to a distant country, but very close to us in culture and heritage."