Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, given their unique geographical locations and rich historical connections with China, are natural partners of China in jointly carrying out the initiative, noted the Chinese foreign minister.
Xi and leaders of the three nations agreed to align their countries' development blueprints and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
The initiative, reiterated the Chinese president, is by no means China's solo, but a symphony of all countries along the routes, including half of the OIC members.
During Xi's stay in Saudi Arabia, China and the GCC resumed their free trade talks and "substantively concluded in principle the negotiations on trade in goods." A comprehensive deal will be made within this year.
Many observers have pointed out that the spirit of the Silk Road, which features peace and cooperation, conforms to the Islamic values, and China's efforts in the region show that China is far more than just an oil buyer.
What China is doing, they say, serves as a true paradigm of win-win cooperation and will help Middle Eastern countries improve their ability to grow independently.
PROMOTE MUTUAL LEARNING
Xi's trip, said Wang, also contributed to the time-honored exchanges between the ancient Chinese and Islamic civilizations and consolidated mutual understanding between the Chinese and Middle Eastern people.
The interaction and mutual learning between the Chinese and Islamic civilizations are an important part in the history of inter-civilization exchanges, Xi said in a signed article published on Saudi newspaper Alriyadh.
During his visit, Xi called for joint efforts to reject extremist thoughts and oppose tying terrorism with any specific nation, religion or religious sect.
Speaking of Xi's speech at the AL headquarters, Wang said the "China solution" proposed by the Chinese president, which takes peace and development as the core, targets both the symptoms and root causes of the Middle East quagmire.
In his address, Xi urged Middle Eastern countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and tackle the regional predicament through development.
Wang noted that China's diplomatic principles such as respect for sovereignty and non-interference have won unanimous appreciation across the region.
Beijing's basic stances of addressing conflicts via political means and letting the UN play a bigger role have also been widely recognized by regional countries, he added.
