Saudi Arabia and China commended the "robust" economic and investment relations between the two nations, a statement issued at the conclusion of the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Joint Committee in Riyadh said Thursday.
The statement said that with the aim of bolstering Saudi-Chinese relations, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Talks focused on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries across all fields. They also touched upon key regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“Both parties commended the robust economic, trade, and investment relations between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia being China's top trading partner in the Middle East and reciprocally, China being the Kingdom's foremost trading partner,” said the statement.
“Trade between the two countries reached $48 billion by June 2024, with Saudi exports to China totaling $24 billion and Chinese exports to the Kingdom also amounting to $24 billion,” it added.
During the meeting, the Saudi and Chinese delegations discussed ways to enhance cooperation across various fields, including politics, security, defense, energy, trade and investment, finance, science, technology, culture, and tourism.
Following the discussions, both the Crown Prince and Li signed the official minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Saudi-Chinese Joint Committee.