Former UN secretary general Boutrous Ghali extended thanks and appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for awarding him yesterday for his outstanding contribution to promoting friendship, understanding and cooperation with China.

The Chinese president met yesterday with a host of prominent Arab figure, including Ghali, on the occasion of honoring them by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

Aware that State to State relations must first be based on friendship and on cultural, sporting and economic exchanges, China created in 1954 an organization which will be later known as the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

Source: MENA