Xi, Saudi Arabian king discuss ties

China will not change its determination to deepen strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia no matter how the global and regional situation changes, President Xi Jinping said on Thursday in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz.

China supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and strive for greater development, Xi said, adding China would like to undertake joint efforts with Saudi Arabia to deepen strategic cooperation.

The two countries should steadily push forward the strategic connection between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030, implement cooperation through the bilateral high-level joint commission and benefit the people of both sides as well as other countries in the region, Xi said.

Noting that it’s very important for the two countries’ heads of state to keep in close communication, Xi said that China and Saudi Arabia are comprehensive strategic partners, with mutual strategic trust increasing continuously.

Xi expressed gratitude for the king’s congratulatory call after the success of the Communist Party of China’s 19th National Congress, which concluded last month.

The congress has set guidelines for the country’s development and made strategic plans for China’s modernization, Xi said. He expressed his confidence to lead the Chinese people to the fulfillment of national rejuvenation.

The king offered his congratulations for the success of the congress and Xi’s re-election as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, saying the congress will guide the Chinese people to achieve greater success.

Saudi Arabia would like to be China’s important partner in the Gulf region and it is dedicated to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, the king said.