BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations on the opening of China-Arab friendship years.

China and Arab states have designated 2014 and 2015 as the years of China-Arab friendship during which a series of friendly exchange events will be held.

An opening ceremony for the friendship years and for the 3rd Arabic Arts Festival was held Wednesday in Beijing.

In a congratulatory message, Xi wished the events success.

With a long history of friendly exchanges, China and Arab states enjoy time-tested traditional friendship, Xi said.

And the series of events will promote mutual understanding and positive feelings between Chinese and Arabs and lay a solid base for China-Arab exchanges and cooperation, he said.

China has, as always, viewed China-Arab relations from a long-term strategic perspective, and stands ready to work with Arab states to lift China-Arab strategic cooperative relations featuring all-round cooperation and common development to a higher level, said the Chinese president.

Kuwait Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the Arab League, also sent congratulations on the opening of China-Arab friendship years.