China, Saudi Arabia pledge deeper diplomatic coordination
China and Saudi Arabia have agreed to step up communication and coordination on regional and global issues.
The agreement was reflected in statements released after talks in Riyadh on Sunday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud. Wang is currently on a three-country tour of the Middle East that began in the United Arab Emirates and is due to conclude in Jordan.
A joint statement carried by China’s state news agency Xinhua said the two sides would enhance coordination on international and regional matters, though it did not spell out specific areas. It noted China’s backing for improved ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, following last year’s Beijing-brokered agreement that helped restore diplomatic relations between the two regional rivals.
China said it “appreciates Saudi Arabia’s leading role and active efforts in promoting regional and international security and stability,” according to the statement released on Monday. Both countries also reaffirmed their shared position on the Palestinian issue, voicing support for a comprehensive and just solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
During the high-level meeting, Wang described Saudi Arabia as a priority partner in China’s Middle East diplomacy and an important player in global affairs, the Chinese foreign ministry said. He called for closer cooperation in traditional energy, investment, and emerging sectors, including renewable energy and green transformation, reflecting both countries’ interests in economic diversification.
The talks also produced practical diplomatic steps, with both sides agreeing to mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports, a move expected to facilitate official exchanges.
China has steadily deepened its engagement in the Middle East in recent years, expanding economic ties and playing a more visible diplomatic role, while Saudi Arabia has sought to broaden its partnerships beyond traditional Western allies as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.
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