Group photo of the guests who attended the forum of culture ministers from China and the Arab world at the National Museum of China in Beijing on Sept 10, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

The forum’s Arabic President, Mauritanian Minister of Culture Vatma Soueinae said that the Sino-Arab friendship has a long history, and China is a trustworthy friend for the Arabs. Through the Silk Road, the Chinese civilization has enriched the Arab civilization. China’s papermaking especially contributed a lot to the spread of scientific knowledge and culture in Arabic regions.

Arab ministers at the forum agreed to make joint efforts in building the cultural aspects of the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road". They believe that cultural relations are the core of the Sino-Arab strategic partnership.

The forum was part of the Third Arabic Arts Festival. The festival included culture seminars, performances by arts groups and Arabian art exhibitions.