Syeda Amtul

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH —The Consulate General of China recently organized a reception at the Intercontinental Hotel here to mark the 65thanniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.



Ambassador Jamal Bakr Balkhuor, Director of Protocol Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah region, was the chief guest at the event.



Government officials, diplomats from various countries along with their families and prominent members of the Chinese community attended the event, which started with the playing of the national anthems of China and Saudi Arabia. Chinese Consul General An waer Habibullah welcomed the gathering warmly and greeted all on the occasion of the Chinese National Day.



He said, “Saudi Arabia is a very important country among the Arab countries and in the Islamic world. Under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia has achieved rapid economic and social development and provided its people with a happy life. Saudi Arabia is highly commended by China for its great achievements.



He added, “The friendship between China and Saudi Arabia has been long and a cherished one. Over 24 years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, especially in recent years, our relations have witnessed fast and comprehensive growth with increasing mutual visits of high-level and more mutual trust in politics and cooperation in the field of economy and business.”



According to him the trade volume between China and Saudi Arabia in 2013 reached at $73.2 billion. Saudi Arabia has already become the biggest Chinese trade partner in the region of West Asia and North Africa. China attaches great importance to the friendship between the two countries.



He stated, “The Sino-Saudi relationship is based on comprehensive cooperation. China views Saudi Arabia as a most important country in the Middle East and a major Islamic nation and a major developing country.



China has always valued Sino-Saudi relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective. China will further deepen the bilateral friendly cooperation. We would like to thank the Saudi government and its people for its understanding and support of the core interests and major concerns of China all over the years.”



“I’d like to extend my best wishes to a better and even stronger bilateral relationship between our two nations, to progress and prosperity of the Saudi people,” added Habibullah.



Later, the consul general along with Jamal Bakr Balkhuor and other diplomats cut the ceremonial cake.