JEDDAH: Strong bonds between Saudi Arabia and China were in evidence at the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, at a celebration attended by diplomats, officials, businessmen and the community here on Tuesday night. Muhammad A. Tayeb, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region, who was the chief guest, said bilateral relations “are strong and continue to strengthen.” He also mentioned the expanding trade relations between the two countries.

Chinese Consul-General Wang Yong described Saudi Arabia as his country’s “dear brother and dear friend” and recalled the support the Kingdom extended whenever China suffered from natural disasters. In the recent past, there has been an increase in mutual visits by leaders of the two countries, which have consistently promoted bilateral relations at all levels, Yong said. The ancient Silk Road had contributed to the bilateral relations. “The relationship can be considered as an ideal model for the friendly relations between China and the Arab world,” he added.

The trade volume between the two countries had reached $41.8 billion in 2008, he said, adding: The Kingdom remains the largest trading partner of China in the West Asian and North Africa region for the last eight years. In fact, the Kingdom remains the major source of energy for China,” the consul-general said.

Yong said both China and Saudi Arabia exemplified themselves with their strong economies, especially when the world economic downturn had impacted many nations in the world. “Chinese economy continues to grow at 7.1 percent.”

With its 1.3 billion population, China has become the third largest economic power in the world and occupies first place in foreign exchange reserves in the world. “Chinese economic reforms in the past six decades have contributed to the country’s achievements in economic and all other fields of activity,” Yong added.

The consul-general also had a word of praise for the Kingdom for enabling thousands of its pilgrims to perform Haj and Umrah.

Both Tayeb and Yong later participated in a cake cutting ceremony to mark the National Day.