Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stressed on Friday that the Gulf-Chinese Cooperation and Development summit paves the way for a new phase in relations.
On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed chaired the summit that was held in Riyadh.
The event was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and heads of state and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The summit, continued Crown Prince Mohammed, aims to deepen cooperation between the Gulf and China in all fields. It seeks to coordinate stances over regional and international issues based on the “noble goals of the GCC and the deep historic ties of friendship that bind our countries to China.”
He added that the summit was being held in spite of several challenges facing the region and world. This demands activating collective work to confront them.
“The GCC views Beijing as a significant main partner and these positive ties have reflected on our joint interests and the security and stability of our region,” he went on to say.
Moreover, he underscored the “rapid economic growth and major technological advances achieved by China under the leadership of Xi. China’s pioneering role in the global economy is a testament to this success story.”
Crown Prince Mohammed stressed that Gulf countries prioritize elevating the strategic partnership with China, seeking to maximize the gains from their ties.
He cited the strategic cooperation between the Gulf and China in trade, investment, energy, education, scientific research, the environment and health.
He said that the Gulf was keen on expanding this partnership further.
Additionally, he cited the remarkable growth in the trade exchange between the GCC and China in recent years, predicting that it will grow even further when discussions continue over the establishment of a free trade zone between the two parties.
Crown Prince Mohammed underlined the Gulf countries’ efforts in bolstering regional security and stability and their support of political solutions and dialogue to resolve regional and international tensions and conflicts.
Such an approach ensures that peace, security and stability can be achieved, he added, while also underscoring the need for all mercenary militias to withdraw from Arab countries and the cessation of foreign meddling in Arab affairs.
For his part, Xi said his country has been in constant communication with the GCC since its formation.
He noted the council’s success in overcoming global challenges and the possibility of achieving economic and industrial integration between the GCC and China.
He remarked that relations with the Gulf are based on mutual trust. Beijing will continue to support the security of the region and import oil in great quantities from it.
