Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, reflecting on his several meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the years, described Xi as a great friend of the Arab world who embodies a rising and confident China.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Aboul-Gheit remarked that his five meetings with Xi had left him deeply impressed by the latter's composure and self-assured demeanor, describing him as a steadfast friend of the Arab world.
"He is a great friend of (the Arab world). He represents a Chinese nation that is emerging solidly, and that is gratifying. He's sure of himself, very sure of himself. If you have been watching TV during the military parades in Beijing and how he was saluting the troops, the very disciplined, well-composed solid parade, you would be amazed," Aboul-Gheit said.
Arab League chief hails Xi as great friend of Arab world
France and Canada opened consulates in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, on Friday to show support for their NATO ally Denmark.
It comes amid repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to acquire the Arctic territory, which have caused months of strained relations with Europe.
France is the first European Union (EU) country to establish a diplomatic mission in Greenland.
Jean-Noel Poirier has taken up the post as the French consul general in Nuuk, a move to strengthen France's consular network, the French Foreign Ministry said in a post on social media X.
Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Canadian Governor General Mary Simonand and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt attended the opening ceremony of Canada's new consulate.
Simonand will also meet with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen during her stay, local media reported.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with Copenhagen retaining control over defense and foreign policy. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland, a move that has been repeatedly rejected by Europe.
France, Canada open consulates in Greenland in support of Denmark
