China Prioritizes Strengthening Strategic Partnership with Saudi Arabia: Premier Li Qiang
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: China places high importance on its diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia, particularly within the framework of its Middle East diplomacy, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh on Wednesday. The premier’s visit marked the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee, which he co-chaired with the Saudi crown prince.
Premier Li conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the crown prince, emphasizing the significance of the relationship between the two nations. He highlighted that under the strategic leadership of both countries’ leaders, Sino-Saudi relations have deepened significantly, with cooperation yielding positive results across multiple sectors.
“China and Saudi Arabia have maintained mutual respect, trust, and benefit,” Premier Li stated. “Our bilateral relationship has developed comprehensively, rapidly, and deeply, bringing fruitful results in various areas of cooperation.” He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s development and viewed the partnership as a significant opportunity for both nations.
Li emphasized the role of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee in fostering stronger ties, particularly in advancing bilateral relations and enhancing the well-being of both peoples. As major developing countries, China and Saudi Arabia share extensive common interests, and China is eager to work closely with Saudi Arabia on the path of mutual development.
Both sides discussed the expansion of bilateral trade and cooperation in traditional sectors such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and infrastructure, while also exploring emerging fields like new energy, digital economy, and green technologies. Premier Li encouraged companies from both nations to invest in each other’s economies and collaborate on maintaining global industrial and supply chain stability.
Looking ahead, Li proposed enhanced cultural exchanges, with the successful organization of the China-Saudi Arabia Year of Culture in 2025 serving as a milestone. He called for stronger cooperation in education, media, think tanks, and people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
The Chinese premier also expressed China’s support for Saudi Arabia playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, emphasizing the importance of multilateral coordination between the two countries. He further urged collaboration to uphold international fairness and justice, fostering unity among Asian nations.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored the long-standing friendship between Saudi Arabia and China. He praised the high-level development of bilateral relations, noting that both countries are reliable comprehensive strategic partners. The crown prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to further strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance alignment of development strategies, and deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, finance, and culture.
Prince Mohammed also highlighted the shared positions of Saudi Arabia and China on international and regional matters, particularly their adherence to the principles of respecting national sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. He commended China’s just stance on the Palestinian issue and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to working with China to promote peace, security, and stability globally.
During the meeting, both sides signed several bilateral cooperation agreements covering areas such as technical and vocational training, meteorology, and other key sectors, further solidifying their partnership.
This high-level meeting reaffirms the strong and growing relationship between China and Saudi Arabia, as both nations continue to expand their cooperation in various fields and play key roles in regional and global affairs.
