China, Saudi Arabia pledge to boost ties

Leaders agree to strengthen synergy between BRI, Vision 2030 blueprint

China and Saudi Arabia have pledged to intensify trade and energy cooperation as part of efforts to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership amid the complex development of the international landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis.

In a telephone conversation on Friday, President Xi Jinping and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud also vowed to strengthen synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Vision 2030, a unique transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world, and boost the countries' communication and coordination on regional and international affairs.

Xi said that the ongoing profound and complex changes of the international and regional situation have highlighted the strategic and overarching significance of China-Saudi Arabia relations.

He commended both countries' efforts in the past year to promote the new development of bilateral ties. He said that China gives priority to developing relations with Saudi Arabia, and stands ready to work with it to continuously deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and to deliver more benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

Xi stressed that China supports Saudi Arabia in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and stability, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions.

The country will continue to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and boost high-level bilateral cooperation in fields such as energy, the economy and trade, as well as high tech, he said.

Noting that China supports Saudi Arabia's Green Middle East Initiative, Xi welcomed the Arabian country's participation in the China-proposed Global Development Initiative.

He underlined the need for both countries to strengthen solidarity, uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at the core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and make joint efforts to safeguard international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

China stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, push for an early conclusion of the China-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade area agreement and jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era, Xi said.

The crown prince called China a significant comprehensive strategic partner of his country, saying that China has set an example for countries around the world in boosting economic growth and political stability.

Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to China's international status and to the development of its relations with China, and firmly adheres to the one-China principle, he said.

He added that his country will continue to staunchly support China on issues concerning the country's core interests, resolutely oppose any interference in China's internal affairs and firmly safeguard the rights of all countries to choose their own political and human rights paths independently.

The crown prince said that Saudi Arabia is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen cooperation in various fields and boost communication and coordination with China in international and regional affairs.

Saudi Arabia backs the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council enhancing cooperation with China, he added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the Ukraine situation.