Cooperation helps Riyadh tap growth potential

While some countries blame globalization for their sluggish economies, others remain positive about and ready to explore business opportunities offered by free trade. Saudi Arabia belongs to the second group and is eager to continue reaping the fruits of globalization.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud landed in Beijing on Wednesday on a state visit to China, which is the highlight of his one-month Asia tour. The Saudi king's visit comes 14 months after President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia in January 2016, during which the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

China-Saudi Arabia ties have developed in a sound way because the Middle East country sees China's rise as an opportunity and appreciates its proposals for regional and cross-continental development. Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to respond positively to China's Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road), which was proposed by Xi in 2013 with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient land and sea trade routes.