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Saudi Arabia sees stronger bilateral ties

By Wang Danna (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-06 07:41

"Reading books about China and visiting China gave me an idea about the generosity and friendliness of its people, however my expectations were much lower than what I found in reality," Yahya A Al-Zaid, ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, said in a recent interview with China Daily.

After his arrival in Beijing in April, the ambassador said that he was impressed by Chinese harmonious and collective effort handling Sichuan's May 12 earthquake and the successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing.

He was also optimistic about Sino-Saudi Arabian relations. "I want to stay in China as long as I accomplish objectives; as long as I see the bilateral relationships grow stronger and stronger."

During his tenure, the ambassador said he hopes to keep an official engagement between the two countries, to explore investment opportunities, to increase trade, as well as progress in other aspects.

"We are working hard to ensure our bilateral objectives through policy, economy, education, tourism and exchange visits by government officials."

Between friends

The ambassador said the Sichuan earthquake "was an unfortunate incident - we were deeply affected by it".

"Your country faced difficult times, but we have confidence in the Chinese people. We hoped the quake-stricken area would overcome the difficulties and they did," he said.

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz donated $50 million in cash and $22 million in relief materials to China three days right after the Sichuan quake, the largest single donation from a foreign country.

The donation is definitely regarded as a reflection of good bilateral relations. "China represents history and culture to Saudi Arabia. The country has a special place in King Abdullah's heart. "

China and Saudi Arabia have forged strong bonds and friendship since the establishment of the diplomatic ties in 1990.

"From both sides, we are interested in making our bilateral relationship grow stronger and stronger," the ambassador said.

King Abdullah visited China immediately after taking the throne in 2006, making it his first official destination as a king. Three months later, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral ties.

The ambassador visited the quake-hit area for two days to check Saudi airplanes loaded with relief materials and to make sure they were delivered to people who needed them.

He saw people putting up tents on the streets and in the parks, spending their nights there. The ambassador said: "what I saw there made me uncomfortable, any human being would not like to see his neighbor, his brother or his mother to be in distress."

Yet, "when you see the efforts from ordinary people who came to help, when you see government officials comforting people and encouraging them to be patient and to recover again, I think, this is something that gives you comfort".

The ambassador said: "We are continuing to help China, but we are not doing it for advertisement; we are doing it because of the very close relationship between the two countries. I think you deserve it."

Feeling sorry for the victims, the ambassador said he hopes that they can look into the future and overcome the difficulties.

For the quake-stricken area, there will be many reconstruction projects such as building bridges, hospitals and schools, which he hopes will give more opportunities for Saudi Arabian companies to offer their help, the ambassador said.

Last year, bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia exceeded $25 billion. Saudi Arabia became China's largest trading partner in west Asia and north Africa.

The two countries have undertaken efforts to boost cooperation in many fields. Expos and trade fairs also interest Saudi Arabian investors.

The ambassador said more Saudi businessmen are coming to China seeking investment opportunities for goods that Saudi Arabians need.

The Games

Other big events for Al-Zaid were the Games held in Beijing. He said he had attended Olympics opening & closing ceremonies, several competitions and events at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Saudi Arabian triple jumper (F12) Osamah Alshanqiti won the first gold medal in the Olympic history of his country in Beijing Paralympics and recorded a new world record. He also won silver in the long jump.

The ambassador attended the competition of the Paralympic Games on that day and cheered for the champion.

"Although I wish I had been to other Olympic Games, I could not attend. Luckily this time I was in Beijing."

He also said: "I was amazed by the organization of all activities and the efforts of the volunteers during the Games. The successful hosting of the Olympic Games is a proof of China's confidence."

He was also impressed by the design of the stadiums. He said, "It has some of the best landscape areas I have ever seen."

Exchanges

Exchanging students is a way to better understand each other; and can promote cultural and educational communication. "We hope that those activities do not stop," Al-Zaid said.

"By next year, we want to double the number of students from Saudi Arabia to China." He also announced that 50 Chinese students have been chosen as candidates to attend the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a highly specialized and educational institute and others will attend King Saud University.

The ambassador said by next year he hopes that there will be more than 400 Saudi Arabian students studying in China.

"Besides, we would like to promote tourism sector between Saudi Arabia and China now that more Chinese speak English which facilitates communication and also a number of Chinese speak Arabic."

Other activities include a Saudi Arabian cultural week to be held next year.

(China Daily 10/06/2008 page6)