Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with Arab Parliament Speaker Meshal Faham M. Alsulami at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 23, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang met with Arab Parliament Speaker Meshal Faham M. Alsulami on Tuesday, with both sides agreeing to promote in-depth development of Sino-Arab strategic cooperative relationship.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said the visit of Speaker Alsulami is the first formal exchange between the NPC and the Arab Parliament, which is of great significance to enriching the Sino-Arab relations.

He lauded the traditional friendship between China and the Arab countries, featuring political mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation, cultural exchanges and mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed joint implementation of the Belt and Road initiative with the Arab countries during his visit to the Arab League headquarters in 2016, which opened a new chapter in Sino-Arab relations, said Zhang.

China is ready to work with the Arab nations to achieve more fruitful results, he said.

During the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in July 2017, Xi put forward a new four-point proposal on the Palestinian issue, said Zhang.

China supports the just cause of restoring the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people, understands the Arab countries' concern about the status of Jerusalem and supports all efforts by the Arab countries to promote the peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue, he said.

China is willing to maintain communication and coordination with Arab countries to work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution for the Palestinian issue at an early date, he said.

Alsulami said the Arab nations appreciate China's important role in promoting the Middle East peace process and agree with the four-point proposal on the Palestine issue made by China.

The Arab Parliament is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the NPC and actively push forward in-depth development of China-Arab cooperation in politics, economy and culture, he said.