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President Hu arrives in Riyadh for state visit
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-10 21:19


Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz (R) receives a gift from a Chinese girl while Chinese President Hu Jintao looks on in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 10, 2009. The girl is among 12 Chinese students, half of them from quake-hit Sichuan province, who accompanied Hu on a student exchange program. [Agencies]

Since China and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties in 1990, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed steadily, with increasing exchange of visits at different levels and expanding cooperation in various sectors.

In January 2006, King Abdullah paid a state visit to China, during which he and President Hu agreed to deepen friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Three months later, the Chinese president returned a state visit to Saudi Arabia which promoted all-round bilateral cooperation.

In May 2008, when a strong earthquake hit China's southwestern province of Sichuan, King Abdullah offered sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people, and swiftly provided aid to the quake-stricken area.

Saudi Arabia is now China's largest trading partner in West Asia and North Africa. In 2008, two-way trade between China and Saudi Arabia amounted to 41.8 billion U.S. dollars.

Saudi Arabia is a member of the GCC , which plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region and boosting regional economic development, as well as contributing to international energy markets.

The GCC, established in 1981, consists of six Arab countries, namely Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirate.

From Riyadh, President Hu will travel to four African countries -- Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius.