The two sides agreed to exert joint efforts in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to accelerate the establishment of the Chinese-GCC free trade zone. The two sides agreed that the relations between the China and Saudi Arabia should be at the forefront of their foreign relations. Saudi Gazette report BEIJING China and Saudi Arabia will increase their cooperation in the oil sector, including in Saudi oil exports to China, the two countries said in a joint communiqué issued at the end of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman’s visit to Beijing. King Salman left China on Saturday following the official visit and is on his way to the Kingdom. At the Beijing International Airport, the King was seen off by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a number of officials.

The King was accompanied by many princes, ministers and senior officials. King Salman expressed his profound thanks and appreciation to the Chinese President and people for the warm reception and generous hospitality accorded to him and the accompanying delegation. He later sent a cable of thanks and appreciation to President Xi Jinping after his departure from China. In the joint communiqué statement, both called for boosting cooperation in the energy sector. “Both countries are willing to raise their level of cooperation in the energy sector, including supplying Saudi oil to the continuously growing Chinese market,” the two said in a state ment. “Both sides stressed the importance of stability in world oil markets to the global economy ... China appreciates Saudi Arabia being a safe and dependable oil supplier to the world market, and the role it plays in ensuring the stability of the global oil market,” it said. King Salman oversaw the signing of deals worth as much as $65 billion on the first full day of his visit to Beijing on Thursday. The statement said, they agreed to strengthen international economic cooperation and develop international trade within the framework of Group of 20 (G-20) and financial and international institutions. The two sides hailed an expected role of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The two sides agreed to exert joint efforts in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to accelerate the establishment of the Chinese-GCC free trade zone. The two sides agreed that the relations between the China and Saudi Arabia should be at the forefront of their foreign relations. They agreed on continuation of intensifying visits among the leaderships and officials and consultation at all levels. They agreed to exchange views on issues of common interest in the service of the mutual interests.

China stressed its support for all of Saudi Arabia’s policies in order to maintain stability in the region. China supports the positive role played by the Kingdom in the regional and international affairs. The Kingdom stressed once again its steadfast commitment regarding One China Policy. The Chinese side supports the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve “Vision 2030” and is keen to make China a global partner for the Kingdom in order to diversify its economy. The Kingdom stressed its readiness to be a global partner in building the “Economic Belt for Silk Road” and “Maritime Silk Road in the 21st century” and a main pole in west Asia. Saudi Arabia supports China’s hosting of “Belt and Road” Forum for international cooperation. The two countries condemned extremism and terrorism in all their forms and manifestations, stressing that terrorism has no link with any race or religion. The two sides will cooperate in the fight against extremism and terrorism. The Chinese side expressed its appreciation for the steps taken by the Kingdom in this regard through declaring the establishment of the Islamic Military Alliance to Combat Terrorism. The two countries support the promotion of cultural exchange between the two countries at the official and popular levels aside from encouraging communication and cooperation between the two sides in the fields of education, health, science, technology, tourism and the media.

Within the context of ensuring security and stability in the regional and international arenas, the two sides expressed the importance of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian cause in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the UN Security Council relevant resolutions. The two sides stressed the importance and necessity of finding a solution to the Syrian crisis. The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining the unity of Yemen and achieving its security and stability. During the visit, King Salman and Xi Jinping held talks on bilateral relations. They exchanged views in depth regarding developing relations of comprehensive strategic partnership between the China Saudi Arabia. King Salman also met with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhang Dejiang. The two sides expressed satisfaction about the significant progress of relations between the two countries, especially after Jinping’s visit to the Kingdom in January 2016 where they agreed that the High-level Joint Committee between the two countries represents an important framework for enhancing relations of friendship between the two countries and two peoples as well as deepening practical cooperation in all fields.