China and Saudi Arabia Pledge Stronger Strategic Cooperation in G20 Meeting

Johannesburg, The Gulf Observer: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg on Thursday, reaffirming the deepening of China-Saudi Arabia strategic ties.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the remarkable progress in China-Saudi Arabia relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 35 years ago. He noted that their bilateral ties now stand at the forefront of China’s relations with Middle Eastern nations.

“China cherishes the mutual trust and friendship established by our top leaders and has always placed China-Saudi Arabia relations at a key position in its Middle East diplomacy,” Wang emphasized. He expressed China’s willingness to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia in key sectors, including economy, trade, investment, new energy, digital economy, telecommunications, and high-end manufacturing.

Wang also commended Saudi Arabia’s active role in mediating regional conflicts, recognizing its contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East. On the Palestinian issue, Wang reiterated China’s firm support for Arab nations, stressing the need to address historical injustices and work toward a lasting peace settlement.

For his part, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud reaffirmed that China and Saudi Arabia are comprehensive strategic partners, emphasizing the significance of high-level exchanges as the two nations mark 35 years of diplomatic relations. He noted that both countries share a common vision of maintaining peace and stability and resolving disputes through dialogue.

Faisal also expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for China’s principled stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, particularly its opposition to the forcible displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. He emphasized Riyadh’s confidence in China’s continued role as a stabilizing force in the region.

The two sides further discussed China’s broader relations with Arab and Gulf nations, agreeing to enhance coordination and achieve tangible progress in China-Arab and China-Gulf cooperation.