KSA, China agree on strategic partnership

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China have agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
In a joint communiqué at the end of the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom, the two countries expressed satisfaction over enormous development the relations have witnessed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in July 1990, notably after the establishment of strategic friendship between them in 2008.
The two countries stressed the importance of continuation of development of traditional friendship between the two peoples and countries and enhancing of strong cooperation in political, economic, commercial, cultural, humanitarian, military, security and energy fields as well as at regional and international arenas that will push Saudi-Chinese relations to higher levels.
In conformity with the desire of the two countries in deepening cooperation in all areas, the two countries have agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, the communiqué said.
The two countries have agreed that the strategic and global nature of Saudi-Chinese relations is increasing in light of continued development of multi-polarization and economic globalization and as important partners at the international level. The two countries see their relations as long term.
The two sides expressed keen interest to exchange high-ranking visits and enhance strategic contacts on bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual interests as well as deepening strategic cooperation and joint strategic confidence between them.
The two countries also affirmed interests in the mechanism of consultation between the them in all fields and at all levels and to facilitate exchange of individuals and benefits in all areas. They affirmed to boost joint vital interests.
The Saudi side reiterated the continuation of its long-established one China policy whereas the Chinese side expressed support for Saudi efforts to preserve its security, stability, development of economy, improvement of living conditions of its people, and to play a bigger role in regional and international affairs.

Energy Cooperation

The two sides expressed keen interest to boost cooperation in the area of energy and the importance of the stability of oil market for the global economy. The Chinese side appreciated the key role being played by Saudi Arabia to ensure the stability of global oil markets.
The Chinese side also appreciated the contribution of Saudi Arabia as the founding member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The two sides have strongly rejected terrorism in all its forms and expressed readiness to boost security cooperation in this context. The Chinese side appreciated Saudi efforts in the establishing the UN Counterterrorism Center.
The two sides affirmed that all civilizations have to show respect and tolerance to promote co-existence. The Chinese side lauded Saudi efforts in establishing King Abdullah Center for Dialogue between followers of different faiths and cultures in Vienna. The two sides encourage cultural exchange between the two countries and support cooperation in the area of media, health, education and tourism.
The two sides have agreed to push forward peace and stability in the Middle East. They also called for a ban on the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and expressed their support to make the Middle East region free of WMDs.