Chinese Ambassador to Riyadh Wu Chunhua commented on the
significance of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz's visit to
China, saying it will push
Sino-Saudi cooperation to a new level.
It is King Abdullah's first official visit to another country
since he succeeded to the throne last year and he is also the first
Saudi king to visit China since the two countries established
diplomatic relations in 1990.?
King Abdullah arrived in Beijing on Sunday, the start of a
three-day state visit to China as President Hu
Jintao's guest.?
During his stay in Beijing, President Hu, top legislator Wu
Bangguo and Premier Wen
Jiabao will meet with him to discuss issues including the
further expansion of bilateral cooperation in energy, economic and
trade areas.?
The two sides are expected to sign a package of accords on
economic and technical cooperation.?
In the political field, China and Saudi Arabia have no
fundamental conflicts but reciprocal cooperation and the common
will to further develop cooperative relations, Wu said.?
Holding identical or similar views on many international and
regional issues, such as on Iraq, both sides make close
consultations and coordination on these issues, and support each
other on the issues of human rights and the war on terror, Wu
added.?
Economically, the two countries are strongly supplementary, and
there is huge potential for boosting trade. China is Saudi Arabia's
fourth largest importer and the fifth largest exporter, while Saudi
Arabia is China's tenth largest importer and the biggest oil
supplier.?
In addition to the oil trade, both countries have also begun
mutual investment in the energy sector.
Wu said China is willing to join hands with Saudi Arabia to
strengthen friendship and extend cooperation. He believes that the
prospects for future bilateral ties are bright.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2006)