China gets rail project in Mecca

China is to sign a deal with Saudi Arabia to build a light rail system in Mecca to help transport millions of pilgrims, a senior diplomat said.

Yang Honglin, Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told China Daily the deal will be signed "soon" but he didn't confirm whether it would be done during President Hu Jintao's three-day visit to the country, which started yesterday.

"China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) is now talking with the Saudi Arabian authorities about the deal," Yang said.