China and Arab countries will hold art festivals alternately every two years to foster closer cultural links and increase understanding, according to an action plan unveiled in Manama on Thursday.

The 2008-2010 action plan of China-Arab Cooperation Forum was inked by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Secretary General of Arab League Amr Moussa after the forum's third ministerial meeting ended Wednesday evening.

China will hold the second Arab Art Festival in 2010 following a Chinese Art Festival staged in Syrian capital of Damascus in April 2008, the plan said.

Both sides vowed to enhance cultural exchanges and cooperation through exhibitions, performances or other cultural activities to increase mutual understanding and friendship, it added.

The action plan also said both sides will encourage and provide convenience for setting up Arab culture centers in China and Chinese culture centers in Arab countries.

They will also cooperate in Chinese and Arabic language teaching and promote translation works in both Chinese and Arabic.

Arab countries will draw experience from China in cultural heritage protection and they will set up electronic library on the Internet to share information from both sides.

Tunisia will host the third symposium on China-Arab civilization dialogue in 2009, according to the action plan.

(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2008)