China supports peace in Middle East, Xi says(2)

The two countries maintained frequent exchanges of visits and deepened political mutual trust, as cooperation between the two countries in economy, trade, energy and infrastructure steadily progressed.

The foreign minister also values Riyadh's ties with Beijing, saying that Saudi Arabia places a high priority on bilateral ties and hopes to further enhance communication and cooperation.

Saudi Arabia also would like to increase consultations and coordination with China on major regional issues, said the minister.

The Middle East drew the world's attention as the Syrian crisis escalated and violence and wars raged in the country, and fears aroused that the instability there may spread beyond the country.

Connected with the Syrian opposition bloc, Saudi Arabia plays an important role in the Syrian crisis, said Hua Liming, former Chinese ambassador to Iran and an expert on Middle East studies.

Saudi Arabia can wield more influence on the Syrian opposition and draw it back to the negotiation table, he said.

Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Russia agreed on Friday that a peace conference on Syria should be held "as soon as possible" even as Moscow defies growing global pressure over its arms supplies to the Damascus government.

Ban met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about an impending international meeting on Syria that should include representatives of the two warring parties for the first time.

"There are high expectations, and the meeting should be held as soon as possible," Ban told reporters alongside Lavrov. Russia's top diplomat added: "The sooner this conference is held, the better."