BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and Arab states to encourage mutual learning among civilizations, saying China opposes discrimination or prejudice against any nation or religion.

"No one civilization can claim to be superior to others," Xi said at the opening ceremony of the sixth ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing.

All human civilizations are equal, and their interaction makes them more colorful, he said.

"Five colors, when shining upon each other, will add beauty to each other; eight musical instruments, when played together, will make a harmonious melody," Xi said, quoting an old Chinese saying.

China and Arab states have always treated each other with an open mind and inclusiveness, and engaged in dialogue and communication rather than conflict or confrontation, the president said.

"We have set a fine example of harmonious coexistence among countries with different social systems, beliefs and cultural traditions," said Xi.

He said China will continue to unswervingly support Arab states in upholding their national and cultural traditions, and oppose any discrimination or prejudice against a particular nation or religion.

"We should work together to advocate inclusiveness of civilizations, and prevent extremist forces and ideologies from causing fault lines among civilizations," said Xi.