China Stresses Comprehensive Development Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Chen Weiqing, the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Chen Weiqing, the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
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China Stresses Comprehensive Development Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Chen Weiqing, the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Chen Weiqing, the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

International attention is turned to the Saudi capital, which is hosting the first qualitative summit that brings China together with Gulf and Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, amid extremely complex geopolitical conditions.

The Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chen Weiqing, stressed that Beijing was ready to deploy joint efforts with Riyadh, to continue deepening relations towards a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Chen Weiqing said the meetings “represent a significant historical event in the history of joint Sino-Arab relations, and reflect the new level that the relations have risen to after years of rapid development.”

He added that the Chinese-Gulf and Chinese-Arab summits would seek to jointly formulate future comprehensive development goals and long-term cooperation plans in various fields.

The ambassador emphasized that the meetings reflect the great importance that China and the Arab and Gulf countries attach to each other’s relations, and reflect the aspirations to deepen and expand cooperation between the two sides.

He noted that the areas of cooperation would include infrastructure, energy, food security, health, green development and youth empowerment.

On the Saudi-Chinese level, Chen Weiqing said that Saudi Arabia is the largest trading partner for his country in the region, while Beijing is the largest partner for Riyadh. He said that trade exchange increased by 30.1 percent.

According to the ambassador, the Chinese side views its relations with Saudi Arabia from a strategic and long-term perspective and places relations with the Kingdom as a priority for diplomacy.

He added that Beijing was ready to make joint efforts with Riyadh to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, which will better serve the two countries and peoples.

“In recent years, Sino-Saudi relations have witnessed comprehensive development. Mutual political trust has continuously deepened, and cooperation in all fields has expanded uninterruptedly,” the ambassador said.

He continued: “The two countries have become dear friends, partners and brothers bound by shared trust, mutual benefit, common gain and joint development. They have maintained close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.”



Saudi Military Personnel Graduate from US THAAD Missile Defense Training Program

Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Graduate Second Unit at Fort Bliss Base in the US. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Graduate Second Unit at Fort Bliss Base in the US. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Military Personnel Graduate from US THAAD Missile Defense Training Program

Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Graduate Second Unit at Fort Bliss Base in the US. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Graduate Second Unit at Fort Bliss Base in the US. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces have announced the graduation of the second unit trained to operate the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The training was completed at Fort Bliss Military Base in El Paso, Texas.

This latest graduation follows the completion of training for the first unit several months ago and is part of a broader initiative to build a fully qualified Saudi operational and maintenance crew for the THAAD system- one of the world’s most advanced and precise missile defense technologies. The system is considered a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities.

During their training, the Saudi personnel underwent an intensive program that included technical and operational instruction, combat simulation, and advanced field exercises. The course was conducted under the supervision of experts from the system’s manufacturing company, in cooperation with the United States as part of ongoing military collaboration agreements between the two nations.

This training initiative is aligned with the Saudi Ministry of Defense’s strategic objective to enhance the operational readiness and technical proficiency of its forces through advanced and specialized training. The goal is to equip Saudi forces with the skills required for modern military operations, in line with Vision 2030’s focus on military modernization and technological localization.

The Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces continue to implement comprehensive plans to qualify national cadres capable of managing and operating advanced defense systems, strengthening national security and protecting Saudi airspace against potential threats.

The graduation ceremony was held at Fort Bliss in the presence of Major General Abdullah Al-Rubaie, Commander of the Air Defense Forces Institute, representing Lieutenant General Mazyad Al-Amro, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces. The event was also attended by US counterparts and representatives from relevant training bodies.