Arab League participates in Arab-Chinese energy cooperation conference

CAIRO – 19 September 2023: The Arab League recently played an active role in the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Conference on Energy. The event took place from September 19-21, 2023, under the theme "Launching a Golden Age of Arab-Chinese Energy Cooperation: Committing to Quality and Sustainability."

A delegation from the Arab League's General Secretariat, led by Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al-Maliki, assistant secretary-general and head of Economic Affairs, took part in this significant event which came as part of the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum. This year marked the seventh edition of the conference.

The Ministerial Council's Secretariat for Electricity was responsible for organizing and preparing for this iteration, in coordination with various Arab institutions that operate in the energy and electricity sectors. Their aim was to reinforce Arab participation in the conference.

Al-Maliki underscored the need to continue building upon the successes achieved in Arab-Chinese collaboration. He lauded the forum as one of the most significant platforms for Arab cooperation with global nations and blocs.

The ambassador also highlighted both parties' ambition to form a robust partnership, filled with potential to shape the future trajectory of the energy sector.

The Arab League and its member states remain committed to paving the way for more investment opportunities between the Arabs and the Chinese in various energy-related fields.

Conference participants deliberated on investment opportunities and potential challenges facing both the Arab countries and China in energy sectors. They also discussed potential collaboration in this vital sector.

Mutual views on future bilateral cooperation in areas like oil, natural gas, electrical energy storage, renewable energy, hydrogen, and peaceful applications of nuclear energy were also exchanged.

Director of the Energy Department at the Arab League Jameela Matar emphasized the significance of close collaboration between the Arab League, its member states, and China at various levels. This cooperation aims to bolster the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the energy sector.

Matar also stressed the importance of amplifying participation in the Arab-Chinese Cooperation Conference on Energy, with a nod to the concerted efforts exerted so far. She revealed that the eighth edition of the conference will be hosted by one of the Arab countries and praised the positive outcomes of this year's conference.

The seventh conference concluded with a final statement highlighting the discussions and outcomes shared between participants, speakers, and attendees this year.