Chinese, Saudi Arabian leaders pledge to deepen ties, jointly tackle financial crisis

Source: Xinhua | 02-11-2009 09:05

RIYADH, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday vowed to deepen their strategic friendly ties, work together to tackle the global financial crisis and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs.

The pledge came after the talks between Chinese President Hu Jintao, who arrived here earlier in the day for his second state visit to the Gulf nation, and Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz.

"China-Saudi Arabia ties have developed rapidly and reached an all-time high since the heads of states exchanged their visits in 2006," Hu told King Abdullah.

Hu last traveled to Saudi Arabia in April 2006, three months after King Abdullah paid a historic visit to Beijing. The king's visit was the first by a Saudi head of state to China since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1990.

Hu said China values the important role Saudi Arabia has played in safeguarding regional peace and stability and ensuring international energy security.

China has always dealt with its relations with Saudi Arabia from a strategic point of view, he said.

"The international situation is undergoing complicated and profound changes. In particular, the global financial crisis has posed severe challenges to us," Hu said.

To elevate bilateral ties, Hu proposed the two countries maintain high-level visits and establish a high-level consultation mechanism.

On the economic front, Hu said both countries should take advantage of their own resources and markets, promote an all-round energy partnership and expand two-way investment.

Saudi Arabia is now China's largest trading partner in West Asia and North Africa, with two-way trade hitting 41.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2008.