What’s new: China has elevated its relations with Saudi Arabia to a comprehensive strategic partnership during President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Middle Eastern country this week, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
During his meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh, Xi said that China sees Saudi Arabia as an important force in the multi-polar world and attaches great importance in developing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia.
“China stands ready to further strengthen strategic communication and deepen cooperation across the board with Saudi Arabia to deliver for the development interests of the two countries and safeguard world peace and stability,” Xi said in a statement released by the ministry.
The two heads of state co-signed the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership agreement and agreed to take turns to host biennial meetings between the heads of state of the two countries, the statement said.
What’s more: Xi’s state visit to Saudi Arabia’s capital on Wednesday coincided with the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit from Dec. 7 to 10.
Xi also held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. During the session, China’s leader said he took the development of its relations with Saudi Arabia as “a priority in its overall foreign relations, in particular its diplomacy in the Middle East.”
Over the course of his visit, the Chinese president has also met with Middle East leaders including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Bertrand Teo (bertrandteo@caixin.com)
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