Xi Jinping meets Saudi King, crown prince

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-22-2008 08:50

Vice President Xi Jinping says China places great importance on its relations with Saudi Arabia. He also says China regards the country as a close friend and partner. He made the remarks while meeting with Saudi Arabian leaders in Jeddah on Saturday.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Azizi Al-Saud (R) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 21, 2008. Xi arrived in Jeddah for an official visit to Saudi Arabia Saturday.(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Vice President Xi Jinping met with King Abdullah bin Abdul-Azizi Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Xi said since the heads of state of the two countries exchanged visits in 2006, the two sides have witnessed the smooth development of bilateral links in an all-round way.

He said China is willing to join efforts with Saudi Arabia to continuously reinforce and expand friendly and cooperative relations.

King Abdullah said Saudi Arabia and China are true friends, noting that relations between the two countries enjoy a solid base. He told Xi that Saudi Arabia is ready to maintain high-level contacts with China and strengthen exchange and cooperation in all fields.

Xi Jinping thanked King Abdullah for his support and assistance to China after the massive May 12th earthquake. He said Saudi Arabia's concern reflects the deep feelings of friendship the Saudi King and people have toward the Chinese people. China will use the funds donated by Saudi Arabia to build schools and hospitals in quake-hit areas.

On the same day, the Chinese vice president also held talks with Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud.

During the talks, Xi put forward a number of suggestions to advance Sino-Saudi relations. He hopes the two countries will strengthen mutual support and cooperation relating to regional and international affairs. The vice president also said the two sides should expand cooperation in various fields. Especially in areas related to economy, trade and energy. He also recommended enhanced cultural exchanges between the two peoples.

The Crown Prince said the two nations should give full play to the role of the mixed committee of trade and economy. And aim to accelerate cooperation in economy, trade, energy, science and technology and culture.

After their meeting, the two signed a China-Saudi Arabia joint statement on strengthening cooperative and strategic friendly relations. The statement promotes stepped up bilateral exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, trade and regional and international affairs.

They also witnessed the signing of an agreement between the two governments to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction.

Editor:Xiong Qu