S Arabia supports China’s active role in regional affairs: MBS

BEIJING: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Sulman (MBS) met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Friday and declared his country’s support to China for its active role in regional and international affairs.

During the meeting held at the Great Hall of the People, he said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to China's active role in international and regional affairs and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China.

He said, Saudi Arabia is full of confidence in China's bright development prospects under the leadership of President Xi. They regard China as an important strategic partner, and thanks China for its support for Saudi domestic reform and development.

Saudi Arabia is willing to link the "2030 Vision" of Saudi Arabia with the "One Belt, One Road" initiative to further deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields between the two countries. Prince Mohammed added, Saudi Arabia firmly adheres to the one-China policy. China has the right to take anti-terrorism and de-extremization measures for safeguarding national security.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, under the leadership of the two sides, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia has formed a new pattern of all-round, multi-level and wide-ranging areas.

The Chinese side regards Saudi Arabia as a good friend and good partner. It is willing to join hands with the Saudi side to carry forward the past and continue to create a new situation of friendship and strategic relations between China and Saudi Arabia.

Xi Jinping emphasized that China and Saudi Arabia should continue to support each other and promote political mutual trust on issues involving core interests and major concerns. China firmly supports the economic diversification and social reforms promoted by the Saudi side, and firmly supports the efforts of the Saudi side to safeguard national sovereignty, security and stability, and opposes any interference in Saudi internal affairs.

The two countries should strengthen the development strategy, deepen the integration of interests, accelerate the signing of the “One Belt and One Road” initiative and Saudi Arabia’s “2030 Vision” docking implementation plan, and promote bilateral and pragmatic cooperation in all fields to achieve new results, he added.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China supports the peace demands of the people in the Middle East, supports the reform and transformation efforts of the countries in the region, appreciates Saudi Arabia's active efforts to maintain regional peace, stability and development, and is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to explore the Middle East governance of "promoting peace through development".

The two sides should promote counter-terrorism cooperation in the Middle East, strengthen international cooperation, and prevent the spread of extreme ideas, he added. Chinese State leaders Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the meeting.