The Riyadh Declaration, issued at the end of the Arab-Chinese summit in Riyadh on Friday, underlined the two sides’ keenness to strengthen strategic partnership, based on comprehensive cooperation and joint development for a better future.
The declaration also reaffirmed the firm commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including mutual respect for the states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity and the need to refrain from the use or threat of force in international relations, in addition to respecting the principle of good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
Moreover, the document issued at the end of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Saudi Arabia emphasized the centrality of the Palestinian Cause in the Middle East, and the necessity to find a just and lasting solution based on the two-state solution, by ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The declaration highly valued China’s endeavors to contribute to spreading international peace and development, including the high-level dialogue for global development through the two initiatives of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the importance of adhering to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.
According to the document, the two sides also agreed to deploy all efforts to enhance solidarity and cooperation, and to promote peace and development in the region, expressing their determination to maintain political consultation on issues of common interests.
Emphasizing the firm commitment of the Arab countries to the principle of “one China”, the declaration affirmed support for Beijing’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that Taiwan was an integral part of Chinese territory and rejecting its independence.
Furthermore, the declaration supported the Chinese position in the Hong Kong file, and China’s efforts to maintain national security and develop democracy within the framework of one country, two systems.
The Riyadh Declaration announced an endeavor to promote cooperation between China and the Arab countries in various dimensions and levels, to face common challenges. It also emphasized the importance of concerted regional and international efforts to find political solutions to regional crises, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and relevant agreements and references, especially the crises in Syria, Libya, and Yemen.
Highlighting the need for joint action to confront terrorist and extremist organizations, the declaration expressed support for the efforts made by Lebanon, Somalia, and Sudan to achieve security, stability, development, and prosperity, and to combat terrorism.
The two sides voiced the necessity to find a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and restore security and peace in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of good neighborliness, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states.
They also expressed Arab readiness to participate in the implementation of the Belt and Road initiative, which they said provided promising opportunities for cooperation and development.
The statement stressed support for efforts aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, in accordance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), calling for the importance of freeing the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction.
The closing statement expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, for the Kingdom’s hosting of this historic summit.
