UAE president calls for Arab-China cooperation to secure Gaza ceasefire
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Beijing: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the need for cooperation between Arab states and China to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Highlighting the dire conditions faced by Gazans, he stressed the importance of humanitarian aid in the enclave.
"This meeting comes in light of the escalating tensions the Middle East is witnessing as a result of the continuing war in the Gaza Strip and the difficult humanitarian conditions it has caused its residents," Sheikh Mohamed said at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing.
Sheikh Mohamed called for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an international peace conference on the Israel-Gaza war and promised more aid.
"War should not continue indefinitely, justice should not be absent forever," Mr. Xi said, reaffirming China's support for Palestine's UN membership. He pledged to work with the Arab side to maintain world peace and stability.
Mr. Xi highlighted China's increased diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, referencing China's role in brokering a reconciliation agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran last year. He also announced that China would host the second China-Arab States Summit in 2026 and seek to deepen energy cooperation with Arab states.
"China will further enhance strategic cooperation with the Arab side on oil and gas, and integrate supply security with market security," Mr. Xi said.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi urged the international community to prevent the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
"I call on the international community to immediately provide for long-term humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and to end the Israeli siege, and to stop any attempt at forcing Palestinians to forcibly flee their land," he said.
His comments followed Israel's military announcement of seizing control of a section of Gaza's border with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel stated that the corridor features tunnels used to smuggle weapons and goods for Hamas, despite a blockade by Israel and Egypt. This move could further strain Israel's relations with Egypt.