China supports peace in Middle East, Xi says

Experts say Saudi FM's visit will have positive influence on bilateral ties

China would like to further strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, President Xi Jinping told Saudi Arabia's visiting foreign minister on Friday.

Observers said the minister's visit will wield a positive influence over ties between China and Saudi Arabia and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East.

While meeting Prince Saud al-Faisal, Xi said the situation in the Middle East is undergoing complex and profound changes, and China has been dedicated to promoting dialogue and negotiations, and pushing for a political settlement to the problems in the region.

No matter how the international situation changes, it is always a set policy of China to develop friendly relations with Saudi Arabia. China has consistently viewed Beijing-Riyadh ties from a strategic plane and with a long-term vision, Xi said.

Xi urged the two countries to further promote their exchanges, deepen mutual trust, build a more mature, stable and sustainable Sino-Saudi strategic relationship and promote the cooperation between China and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council — a political and economic union of six Arab states on the Persian Gulf.

Yao Kuangyi, former Chinese ambassador to Turkey and an expert on Middle East studies, said China-Saudi Arabia ties have developed very well over the years, and the strategic cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries is important for both sides.

Saudi Arabia plays an influential role in the Middle East, so strengthening ties with the country can further boost China's ties with the region, he said.

China and Saudi Arabia enjoyed comprehensive and in-depth development of bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation in all fields since diplomatic ties were established in 1990.