On January 23, 2015, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to new King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, who passed away due to illness. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi Jinping deeply mourned the passing away of King Abdullah. He also expressed his sincere sympathies to King Salman, the Saudi Arabian government and people, and King Abdullah's families.
Xi Jinping expressed that, as an outstanding leader of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah had made significant contributions to promoting national prosperity and stability and safeguarding peace and development of the Middle East and Gulf region and the world at large. King Abdullah, an old friend of the Chinese people, had made remarkable contributions to pushing forward the development of China-Saudi Arabia strategic friendly relations, boosting the bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and promoting friendship between the two peoples. King Abdullah's unfortunate death has not only caused a tremendous loss to the Saudi Arabian people, but also deprived the Chinese people of a sincere friend, over which I deeply lament.
Xi Jinping expressed that the Chinese government and people highly cherish China-Saudi Arabia friendship. It is believed that with concerted efforts, China-Saudi Arabia strategic friendly relations will definitely keep developing.