“I reiterate the Arab stand to make the entire Middle East, including the Gulf region, free from all kinds of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) without exception,” said Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, who is leading a Saudi delegation at the two-day China-Arab Cooperation Forum in Tianjin, China.

Prince Saud reaffirmed the support of Saudi Arabia in solving the Iranian nuclear issue peacefully and guaranteeing the rights of all countries in the region to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The prince also called on Iran to make its nuclear programs transparent. “The Arab countries and China have a shared vision with regard to the role of the UN in achieving a balanced and fair representation for the countries of the south,” the prince added.

“China has a positive role in solving issues such as Iran’s nuclear programs and the Darfur issue.” He also observed that people in the Arab world appreciated the firm stand taken by China in supporting international decisions to end the Israeli occupation in Arab territories and achieve a just and comprehensive peace.

“China is the most notable authority that performs its role effectively in the (UN) Security Council,” the prince added.

“Sino-Arab relations serve to directly achieve peace and security and boost mutual dialogue and respect between various civilizations and cultures, as well as building a balanced world respecting diversity and plurality and respecting the rights of all.”

Earlier in his address Prince Saud conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to Chinese leaders and people.

The China-Arab Forum brings together 22 leaders from Arab states to discuss boosting political, cultural and economic cooperation. Chinese leaders and Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa also attended the forum, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.