by The Cradle

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is prepared to work with Arab states to assist initiatives for world security, according to Tan Kefei, a spokesperson for the Chinese Defense Ministry, reported Al-Mayadeen on 29 December.

The aim of the collaboration, the spokesman said, is to "implement the consensus reached at the China-Arab States Summit, jointly promote global security initiatives, continue to deepen practical exchanges and cooperation," as well as "make new contributions to maintaining world peace and development."

"The armed forces of China and the Arab countries are important for maintaining peace and stability throughout the world. Relations between the armies of China and the Arab countries have developed rapidly and in a healthy way in recent years," Tan said during a press conference.

"The PLA is willing to work with the forces of the Arab countries to execute the consensus achieved at the Sino-Arab summit, jointly advance global security initiatives, and further expand practical cooperation," the Chinese official stated.

The first Sino-Arab summit was held in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on 9 December, bringing the Asian giant and the countries of the Persian Gulf together, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.