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.”
