On June 23, 2009, the opening ceremony of the sixth meeting of Chinese and Arab senior officials for the China-Arab Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun addressed the opening ceremony.

Zhai said as a China-Arab collective dialogue and cooperation platform, China-Arab Cooperation Forum has played an active role in improving the friendly cooperation between the two sides. The Chinese side is satisfied with the progress that the forum has made, Zhai said. China and Arab countries are developing countries and are at an important stage of development, and have the same task of promoting peace, stability, and development, he said. The Chinese side hopes to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Arab countries, share development experiences, and meet challenges together to promote the building of a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity, he said.

The representatives of the Arab countries said China-Arab Cooperation Forum had made fruitful achievements and maintained a sound momentum in recent years, bringing tangible benefits to both sides. They stressed that to develop a new type of partnership of peace and sustainable development with China is the strategic choice of Arab countries, and they are willing to work with China to cope with challenges and create a bright future for friendly and cooperative relations between both sides.

Senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Health, General Administration of Press and Publication, State Council Information Office, National Energy Administration, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, as well as the Foreign Ministries of 22 Arab nations and Secretariat of League of Arab States attended the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, both sides also held the launching ceremony of the "website for China-Arab Cooperation Forum".

Founded in January 2004, the China-Arab Cooperation Forum has up to now held three ministerial meetings and five senior officials' meetings. It has established 11 collective cooperation mechanisms covering areas including politics, economy and culture. During the two-day meeting, the senior officials will review the implementation of relevant action plans of the forum and study the preparations for the fourth ministerial conference. They will also hold consultations on international and regional issues of common concern.