The China-Arab National Gallery Cooperation Forum, one of the key projects of the third Arabic Arts Festival was held in Beijing on September 24, 2014.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum to deepen cultural exchanges and cooperation.

China's Ministry of Culture and the Secretariat of Arab League have jointly launched the third Arabic Arts Festival to promote the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and build relationships among 200 Chinese and Arab cultural institutions over the next decade.

Twenty-two representatives of galleries from nine countries of the Arab League were invited to attend a seminar from Sept 11 to Oct 10 by China’s Ministry of Commerce. The cooperation forum invited leaders of Chinese and Arabian galleries to discuss prospects for cooperation.

Li Liyan, assistant secretary of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Chinese Ministry of Culture, spoke at the forum. "This forum is of great significance in the wake of the Sixth Ministerial Conference of China-Arab States Cooperation. The cultural exchanges and cooperation will play a crucial role in the construction of 'One Belt and One Road'(the Silk Road Economic Belt and Maritime Silk Road of the 21st Century). To promote the Silk Road spirit and deepen the friendship between two peoples, we need to promote the communication between art workers in galleries and strengthen cooperation," said Li.

The forum, hosted by China's Ministry of Culture, National Art Gallery and organized by the Central Academy of Cultural Administration, provides a platform to promote mutual understanding of Chinese-Arabian galleries and paves the way for practical cooperation on mutual trust and benefit.

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