Mustafa Elmehdawi Photo: Guan Kejiang/GT

"China is a reliable and respected partner," "China's development has had a profound impact on Arab countries," "cooperation between China and Arab countries will become even stronger than before." In a recent interview with the Global Times, Arab shipping professional Mustafa Elmehdawi shared vivid, firsthand stories of mutually beneficial cooperation and joint progress between China and the Arab countries.

"What impressed me the most is the Chinese government's firm commitment"

Mustafa, born in Libya and now based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), founded Medship Group in 1999. Through its subsidiary Medship Feeders, he operates feeder shipping services between the Mediterranean and Libya, with business spanning Libya, the UAE, and China. Since 2007, he has served as a freight forwarder for China in Libya, establishing long-term and stable cooperation with Chinese companies. It was precisely this trust and friendship built up over years that led him, during the 2011 evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya, to step forward and work hand in hand with the Chinese side, providing critical assistance.

"We helped evacuate nearly 14,000 people to safety in just five days, most of them Chinese citizens," Mustafa recalled. During the most intense period of conflict in Benghazi, when communications were nearly cut off, he received a distress signal from the port via radio. With no one responding, he stepped in voluntarily, becoming involved in the evacuation effort. Despite the risks, he coordinated with port and maritime personnel, organized vessel arrivals from scratch, and provided transport and basic support for evacuees arriving from different locations.

"What moved me the most was the Chinese government's unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens. I will never forget that experience - it also laid the groundwork for my future cooperation with China."

"China is a reliable and highly respected partner for Arab countries"

Since 2017, Mustafa has provided feeder services for COSCO Shipping, particularly on routes to Libya, facilitating smoother and more efficient cargo flows between China and Arab countries. 

Through long-term cooperation, his understanding of China has deepened. In his view, China is a reliable and highly respected partner for Arab countries. "When cooperation becomes tangible in trade, infrastructure, and day-to-day operations, trust grows naturally," he said.

It is precisely on the basis of this trust that cooperation between the two sides has continued to bear fruit. As a long-time participant in China-Arab maritime cooperation, Mustafa has observed that "Chinese companies demonstrate a high level of expertise in port operations and route management, setting new benchmarks for the regional logistics system while improving efficiency."

Mustafa's footprint in China spans Shanghai, Qingdao and Guangzhou. A regular visitor over the years, he has witnessed the country's fast-evolving transformation up close. In recent years, China has moved to the forefront globally, with notable strides in technological innovation, green transition and infrastructure.

He stressed that China's development has had a profound impact on Arab countries, with its influence in the region steadily growing. Through joint efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative（BRI）, China has delivered tangible benefits to participating countries, with Arab states serving as key partners and cooperation continuing to deepen. In infrastructure areas such as ports, roads and energy, the two sides have achieved substantial results, effectively boosting investment and trade while promoting technology transfer and job creation. "The real value of China-Arab cooperation lies in concrete project implementation, real trade flows and tangible returns for both sides," he said.

Sincerity and pragmatism align China-Arab values, underpinning steady, long-term cooperation

In the interview, he repeatedly noted that "Chinese people are sincere and friendly." He said that this warmth and sincerity have been a key reason behind his long-standing cooperation with China.

Mustafa said that he particularly values the "sincerity and pragmatism" of his Chinese partners. "Chinese companies are direct, clear and practical, and remain committed to mutual benefit. Trust, goodwill and continuity are key to cooperation," he said. In his view, this approach resonates with Arab traditions of warmth and sincerity, with shared values helping to build trust and sustain long-term cooperation.

China-Arab cooperation set to grow "stronger than ever"

Amid a complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, shipping security and regional economic activity are under strain. Mustafa said that uncertainty is one of the biggest pressures facing the industry, affecting routes, transit times, costs and insurance. "In such an environment, the reliability of partners is critical. True partners provide stability and practical solutions in the face of uncertainty," he said.

In his view, "these conflicts will not affect China-Arab investment and cooperation; if anything, they may further strengthen mutual confidence, as China offers stability."

Mustafa said that under the BRI, the most notable change in recent years has been the deepening of trust between China and Arab countries. The relationship has grown broader, more mature and pragmatic, evolving from project-based or phase-driven cooperation into a comprehensive partnership spanning trade, infrastructure, logistics and economic development. Looking ahead, Mustafa expressed strong confidence in the future of China-Arab ties, saying cooperation will be "stronger than ever."