Saudi Arabia, China Laud their ‘Robust’ Relations

Trade between the two countries reached $48 billion by June 2024. SPA
Trade between the two countries reached $48 billion by June 2024. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, China Laud their ‘Robust’ Relations

Trade between the two countries reached $48 billion by June 2024. SPA
Trade between the two countries reached $48 billion by June 2024. SPA

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.



Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.