BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China's state TV broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), will launch its Arabic channel on Saturday, an official with the TV station said here Friday.

    The channel would mainly focus on news programs but would also feature entertainment and education programs, Zhang Changming, deputy president of CCTV told at press conference, adding that the Arabic service would be broadcasted around the clock.

    "Close to 300 million people in 22 Arabic countries in the world will be able to watch our programs at home through satellite services," Zhang said.

    He expressed hope that the Arabic channel might help further cooperative and friendly ties between China and the Arabic countries by deepening mutual understanding and communication.

    The CCTV now runs its service in three foreign languages, namely English, Spanish and French.