Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, held talks here Saturday with Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan to explore prospects of expanding cooperation.

He also highlighted the security and stability in the Kingdom and the remarkable progress achieved by Saudi women in all spheres.

“Although many countries are ahead of us in education, our country remains one of the most stable and secure worldwide,” the crown prince told Saudi scholarship students pursuing their higher studies in China, during a reception at his place of residence in Beijing.

“The numerous initiatives launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah have paved the way for our citizens to learn and work in order to become top-notch ministers and officials,” he said while stressing the importance of higher education.

Prince Salman instructed authorities to include all qualified Saudis who are pursuing their higher studies in China in the scholarship program. The crown prince emphasized the drastic changes in the Kingdom’s education system. “We used to recruit a large number of teachers on contract from abroad, but now, high-ranking university officials, from rectors to deans are Saudi citizens,” he said. “Women are also active in every sphere. Many are abroad getting a strong education.”

Crown Prince Salman also hosted the heads of Islamic centers and mosques from Beijing and other provinces on Saturday.

The prince examined the activities and future vision of these organizations during the reception. He also distributed pieces of the “kiswa,” the Kaaba covering, to guests.

The crown prince had earlier discussed various aspects of bilateral relations between the Kingdom and China with Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan at his residence.

The crown prince is on a visit to China from March 13 to 16 upon invitation from Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) organized a forum on Saudi-Chinese business and investment in Beijing.

Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Mohammed Al-Suwayel, president of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and SAGIA Governor Abdul Latif Al-Othman spoke on the occasion.

An international exhibition on investment opportunities in the Kingdom entitled “Invest in Saudi Arabia” has also been organized in Beijing.