BEIJING, 8 December – RIA Novosti. During a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China considers developing relations with Saudi Arabia a priority for its diplomacy in the Middle East.

“China has prioritized the development of relations with Saudi Arabia in its diplomacy in the Middle East and is willing to work with Saudi Arabia towards national revival, strengthen strategic ties for development, and deepen practical cooperation in all fields,” Xi said. Quoted by China Central Television.

The Chinese leader said that China is also keen to strengthen coordination with Saudi Arabia on international and regional issues and promote the development of the Sino-Saudi comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to Xi Jinping, relations between the two countries have been at a high level in recent years.

The Chinese leader arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a state visit that will last until December 10, and the Chinese leader will attend the first Sino-Arab Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. Mao Ning, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said earlier that the first Sino-Arab summit will be of groundbreaking importance for the development of relations between Beijing and the countries of the region.