Officials and scholars from China and Arab countries met here Saturday for the second seminar on China-Arab relations and a discussion on civilization.

Chinese delegation head and former Foreign Minister Yang Fuchang said at the inauguration ceremony that strengthened cultural exchanges between China and Arab countries will play a significant role in promoting China-Arab friendly cooperative relations and in helping maintain peace and stability in the Mideast region.

Saudi Culture and Information Minister Iyad bin Amin Madani said the China-Arab discussion on civilization is conducive to deepening understanding. It is essential for both sides to strengthen communications and cooperation in various fields to jointly prepare for the challenges brought about by globalization, he said.

The three-day event brought together over 80 representatives from China, 22 Arab countries and the Arab League to open discussions on promoting understanding and dialogue between the Chinese and Arab-Islamic civilizations as well as on the harmonious development of the world, according to Chinese embassy officials.

They will also discuss the roles of education, information, culture and translation in promoting and strengthening ties between the two civilizations.

The first China-Arab civilization seminar was held in Beijing in December 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2007)