On January 15, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was warmly greeted by Saudi entrepreneurs, including Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, president of the Saudi Arabia-China Friendship Association and members of Saudi China Business Council, as he visited Al-Jeraisy's manor on the outskirt of Riyadh. Premier Wen held cordial exchanges with them.
Wen said China and Saudi Arabia have a long history of exchanges and both sides share close ties. The Chinese premier said his visit to Saudi Arabia this time was aimed at seeking cooperation and strengthening friendship between the two countries. Wen said he also brought the deep feelings of the Chinese people to the Saudi people. Regarding Saudi Arabia as a good friend and partner, the Chinese government encouraged enterprises of both sides to boost cooperation in such fields as energy, trade and infrastructure and expand mutual investment, he said. Mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, particularly the youth of the two countries, was the cornerstone of China-Saudi Arabia cooperation, Wen said, adding the two countries should step up their cultural exchanges. Both sides have time-tested friendship, which will be full of vigor and vitality forever.
Al-Jeraisy, echoed by other Saudi entrepreneurs, said Saudi people hold profound friendship towards the Chinese people and China was a reliable friend and important partner of Saudi Arabia. He said the two countries trusted each other politically and their ever-expanding trade and economic cooperation had brought tangible benefits for both sides. The Saudi Arabia-China Friendship Association and Saudi China Business Council are ready to become a friendship messenger and continue to play a positive role in pushing forward bilateral ties and advancing Saudi Arabia-China friendship.