ABOUL GHEIT Highlights Expanding Arab–China Academic Partnership at Fudan University Forum
Ashraf AboArafe
Shanghai — 20 November… Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit reaffirmed the growing strategic importance of Arab–China cooperation, particularly in higher education and research, during the opening session of the Third Arab–China Forum on Global Development and Governance, hosted by Fudan University.
In his keynote address, Aboul Gheit thanked Fudan University President Jin Li and Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities, Amr Ezzat Salama, praising the university’s sustained efforts since launching the forum in 2023. He said the initiative has evolved into “an effective platform for strengthening academic exchange and cooperation in higher education and scientific research” between the two sides.
A Partnership Rooted in History
Aboul Gheit stressed that Arab–China relations are “deeply rooted and centuries old,” tracing back to the ancient Silk Road, which served as a bridge for cultural and commercial exchange. This longstanding legacy, he noted, established “strong bonds and a solid friendship built on mutual respect and shared values.”
He highlighted the establishment of the Arab–China Cooperation Forum in 2004 as a major milestone, enabling the launch of more than ten cooperation mechanisms spanning politics, economy, culture, media, and development. He also underlined the significant contribution of China’s Belt and Road Initiative—announced in 2014 by President Xi Jinping—in broadening joint opportunities across infrastructure, trade, and investment.
Aboul Gheit described the first Arab–China Summit held in Riyadh in 2022 as a “strategic turning point” that inaugurated a new phase in building a shared future between the two sides.
Expanding Academic and Institutional Cooperation
The Secretary-General pointed to his current visit to China—which included political and cultural engagements and concluded with his stop at Fudan University—as further evidence of the “depth and multidimensional nature” of Arab–China relations.
He emphasized the progress made since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Arab League and Fudan University in October 2023 during the first edition of the forum. The MoU, he said, has yielded notable achievements, including:
- Establishing the Fudan Arab Center for Research on Global Development and Governance
- Organizing the second edition of the forum
- Launching academic exchange programs, including postgraduate scholarships for Arab League staff
- Hosting short-term training programs
- Receiving Fudan students at the Arab League headquarters in early 2025
These efforts, Aboul Gheit said, have built “vital academic and cultural bridges” and offered exemplary models of joint research, training programs, and postgraduate student exchange.
Education as a Foundation for Development
Aboul Gheit underlined the Arab League’s conviction that education is a cornerstone of comprehensive development. “Investment in education builds capable, productive individuals and strong institutions,” he said, stressing that sustainable development and good governance cannot be achieved without placing education and scientific research at the forefront of national priorities.
He highlighted the importance of regional and international knowledge exchange between universities, noting that it provides “new horizons for innovation, enhances access to successful experiences, and accelerates solutions to shared challenges.”
A Promising Model for the Future
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the past two years, Aboul Gheit said that the Arab–China academic partnership has demonstrated both seriousness and impact. He expressed confidence that this cooperation would soon become a model for academic collaboration worldwide.
He concluded his address by thanking Fudan University for its “fruitful efforts” and reaffirmed the Arab League’s commitment to advancing constructive cooperation that strengthens Arab–China relations and supports the aspirations of both peoples.
