A reception was held here on Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab Friendship Association (CAFA).

CAFA president Tomur Dawamat said China and Arab countries have a long history of friendship. China expects to work with Arab countries to continuously advance friendly relations of cooperation, which will benefit the people both in China and Arab countries.

In the past 10 years, the CAFA has contributed to promoting communication between China and Arab countries, cementing political relations based on mutual respect and expanding China-Arab economic and trade exchanges, said Abdullah Saadi, acting head of Arab diplomatic missions and ambassador of Oman to China.

Li Xiaolin, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, vice foreign minister Zhai Jun and ambassadors of Arab countries to China also attended the reception.