JEDDAH, 21 January 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s three-day visit to China that begins tomorrow is expected to strengthen political, economic, commercial and cultural ties between the two Asian economic giants.
China has warmly welcomed news of Abdullah’s forthcoming visit, his first to a foreign country since ascended the throne in Riyadh on Aug. 1 and first by a Saudi king since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.
The talks between King Abdullah and Chinese President Hu Jintao are expected to focus on energy and security issues. Saudi Arabia is China’s main oil supplier as Beijing oil imports 14 percent of its total oil requirements from the Kingdom.
“The Chinese government places great importance on this visit,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said, adding that King Abdullah and President Hu Jintao would review the development of bilateral relations over the past 15 years and explore ways of further expanding cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
Kong said the two leaders would also discuss bilateral cooperation in the field of energy resources, but added that it was not yet clear whether the two sides would sign any agreements in the area. The king is scheduled to visit only Beijing, where he would meet with other Chinese leaders, Kong said.
Trade between China and Saudi Arabia has been growing rapidly in recent years, with trade volume reaching $14.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2005, led primarily by oil exports to the Asian giant. Kong called the figure “an astonishing growth” since it is far higher than the national average of 23 percent.
China imported 20.01 million tons of crude oil from Saudi Arabia during January to November last year, Kong said. Cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in such fields as culture, public health, science, technology and telecommunications are also active, he pointed out.
Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has offered Chinese businessmen and companies investment opportunities worth $624 billion in vital sectors such as petrochemicals, gas, desalination, power generation and railways.
Chinese Muslims, who appreciate Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the service of Islam and Muslims all over the world, are eagerly waiting the royal visit. Muhammad Mayon, deputy chairman of Chinese Muslim Association, remembers the generous donation given by the king to the association when he visited China in 1998 while he was crown prince.
A record number of Chinese pilgrims — around 7,000 — performed Haj this year, according to Guo Chengzhen, deputy director of the department in charge of Muslim affairs with the State Administration for Religious Affairs.
