(Source: the website of Chinese Foreign Ministry)
On March 13, 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia at the Great Hall of the People.
Xi Jinping pointed out, since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between China and Saudi Arabia, the bilateral relations have developed rapidly. The Chinese people will never forget Saudi Arabia's strong support and assistance to the disaster area after the Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province in 2008. China has always regarded Saudi Arabia as a good friend, good brother and good partner in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and it is China's established and long-term policy to develop long-term friendly and cooperative relations with Saudi Arabia. We should make joint efforts for the continuous raise of the level of China-Saudi Arabia strategic relationship.
Xi Jinping stressed that, China and Saudi Arabia should maintain high-level exchanges and continue the mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other's core interests. China supports Saudi Arabia in choosing a development path conforming to its own national conditions. The two sides should take energy cooperation as a pillar, expand cooperation in high-tech fields such as aerospace and new energy, and forge closer partnership. China welcomes Saudi Arabia to participate in the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Silk Road On The Sea, so as to push forward the interconnectivity of transportation infrastructure and promote dialogues among civilizations and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China is willing to make joint efforts with Saudi Arabia to accelerate the promotion of the free trade area negotiations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The two sides should also enhance cooperation in defense and security and join the hands to combat terrorism.
Salman conveyed the greetings from King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to President Xi Jinping. Salman said that this time he pays a special visit to China at the behest of the King, aiming to strengthen the strategic relations with China. Saudi Arabia hopes to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation with China in all fields on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Saudi Arabia condemns the recent serious and violent terrorist attack in Kunming of Yunnan province, and extends condolences to the Chinese people and the families of the victims.
Xi Jinping stressed that the situation in the Gulf region and the Middle East has a global impact. Countries in this region share a common responsibility for safeguarding the security and stability of the Gulf region. China always supports the Palestinian people's just cause and will continue to promote peace talks. China supports the denuclearization of the Gulf region and will continue to actively promote the long-term, comprehensive and proper resolution of Iranian nuclear issue. China believes that political resolution is the only realistic means to resolve the Syrian crisis, and that the Geneva Communiqué is to be comprehensively implemented. China is glad to see the periodic achievements obtained in Egypt's political transition process, and hopes that Egypt will achieve stability and development at an early date. Xi Jinping said that, China supports Saudi Arabia's efforts in maintaining its own and regional stability, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Saudi Arabia to jointly promote regional peace and stability.
Salman introduced Saudi Arabia's views and position on the hot issues in the Middle East and the Gulf region. He said that Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's great influence in this region. He spoke highly of the objective and just stance China always upholds, and hoped that China would play a constructive role in resolving the Palestinian issue and the Syrian issue at an early date and in promoting the realization of the denuclearization of the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with China and jointly safeguard regional peace, security and stability.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi was present at the meeting.