Riyadh seeks Beijing’s help to end Syria crisis

Saudi Arabia on Thursday called on China to assist in finding a speedy and peaceful solution to the three-year Syrian crisis based on the Geneva 1 resolutions, and help end the Israeli occupation of Arab territories to pave the way for an independent Palestinian state.
Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, made the call during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which explored prospects of expanding bilateral cooperation. Xi vowed to strengthen strategic partnerships between the two countries.
In his keynote speech, at a reception hosted by the Chinese president at the Great Hall of the People, Prince Salman said his visit was to expand relations between two of Asia's economic giants.
“We would like to strengthen bilateral relations in political, economic, commercial, industrial and cultural fields as well as in the energy and investment sectors to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development for our nations and serve global peace and security,” the crown prince said.
Prince Salman said the Kingdom was looking forward to China using its political and economic influence to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establish an independent Palestinian state based on UN Security Council resolutions and Arab peace initiatives. Prince Salman said King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue initiative was helping to achieve these peace objectives. He praised China’s positive stance on the Palestinian issue.