New achievements urged in China-Saudi Arabia ties

President Xi Jinping has called for better alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and further enrichment in the strategic content of bilateral ties as China and Saudi Arabia celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In a congratulatory message to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Xi said bilateral relations have seen stable development and rich outcomes in cooperation in various areas over the past 30 years.

Bilateral relations have embarked on a fast track of development in recent years with the establishment of a bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, he noted.

The two countries, in their joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, have safeguarded the health and well-being of both peoples as well as global and regional public health security, which marked a new episode of solidarity and mutual assistance between the two sides, he said.

Xi underscored that he attaches great importance to relations with Saudi Arabia, and is ready to work with King Salman to jointly usher in new achievements from bilateral relations and bring about more benefits to both nations and peoples.

In his message, King Salman hailed the tremendous development of bilateral relations over the past 30 years, which was an indication of the profound bilateral friendship and high level of strategic relations.

The Saudi king said he is willing to keep furthering the special relationship and serve the common interests of both nations and their people.

Saudi Arabia shares the same or similar opinions with China over the pandemic, and is willing to engage in a joint fight against the virus, he said, adding that Saudi Arabia looks forward to more cooperation with China to promote regional and global security and stability.

Vice-Premier Han Zheng and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the co-chairs of the China-Saudi Arabia High-Level Joint Committee, also exchanged congratulatory messages with each other. The two sides should give full play to the role of the committee and bring bilateral cooperation to a higher level, Han said.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also exchanged messages with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.