KSA, China agree on strategic partnership

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KSA, China agree on strategic partnership

ARAB NEWS

Published — Thursday 21 January 2016

Last update 21 January 2016 1:19 am

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China have agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

In a joint communiqué at the end of the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Kingdom, the two countries expressed satisfaction over enormous development the relations have witnessed since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in July 1990, notably after the establishment of strategic friendship between them in 2008.

The two countries stressed the importance of continuation of development of traditional friendship between the two peoples and countries and enhancing of strong cooperation in political, economic, commercial, cultural, humanitarian, military, security and energy fields as well as at regional and international arenas that will push Saudi-Chinese relations to higher levels.

In conformity with the desire of the two countries in deepening cooperation in all areas, the two countries have agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership, the communiqué said.

The two countries have agreed that the strategic and global nature of Saudi-Chinese relations is increasing in light of continued development of multi-polarization and economic globalization and as important partners at the international level. The two countries see their relations as long term.

The two sides expressed keen interest to exchange high-ranking visits and enhance strategic contacts on bilateral relations and regional and global issues of mutual interests as well as deepening strategic cooperation and joint strategic confidence between them.

The two countries also affirmed interests in the mechanism of consultation between the them in all fields and at all levels and to facilitate exchange of individuals and benefits in all areas. They affirmed to boost joint vital interests.

The Saudi side reiterated the continuation of its long-established one China policy whereas the Chinese side expressed support for Saudi efforts to preserve its security, stability, development of economy, improvement of living conditions of its people, and to play a bigger role in regional and international affairs.

Energy Cooperation

The two sides expressed keen interest to boost cooperation in the area of energy and the importance of the stability of oil market for the global economy. The Chinese side appreciated the key role being played by Saudi Arabia to ensure the stability of global oil markets.

The Chinese side also appreciated the contribution of Saudi Arabia as the founding member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The two sides have strongly rejected terrorism in all its forms and expressed readiness to boost security cooperation in this context. The Chinese side appreciated Saudi efforts in the establishing the UN Counterterrorism Center.

The two sides affirmed that all civilizations have to show respect and tolerance to promote co-existence. The Chinese side lauded Saudi efforts in establishing King Abdullah Center for Dialogue between followers of different faiths and cultures in Vienna. The two sides encourage cultural exchange between the two countries and support cooperation in the area of media, health, education and tourism.

The two sides have agreed to push forward peace and stability in the Middle East. They also called for a ban on the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and expressed their support to make the Middle East region free of WMDs.
KSA, China agree on strategic partnership | Arab News

 

[vegito12]

I think this is a good thing and it shows what happens when two countries unite and they can do well and this can be a good thing and also hope to see more deals which can mean more trust in each other and this will be good for peace in the Middle East area and good to see co- operation of both countries. When both of these countries are working against terrorism then it will be good to see the terrorists run away from the war and one day we will see the end of it and hope a new future will happen where we don't have to live in fear that something bad will happen to us on a daily basis. Everyone will have to do their part and also think that with everyone doing their part will make the relationship solid and also it can lead to a long lasting relationship in the years to come which will be nice.

 

[Corzhens]

I don't think this is a good development in the eyes of countries with claims in the Spratlys. That accord of China with Saudi Arabia is definitely a feather in its cap that would add respect to China's military. And to think that China is bullying some Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Philippines, the Chinese will now have more confidence in bullying amid the threat of the US naval ships in the area.

 

[djdefense]

I don't think this is a good development in the eyes of countries with claims in the Spratlys. That accord of China with Saudi Arabia is definitely a feather in its cap that would add respect to China's military. And to think that China is bullying some Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Philippines, the Chinese will now have more confidence in bullying amid the threat of the US naval ships in the area.

Bullying is a relative term. The Indian navy bullies and asserts its territory, helping Vietnam and India get oil out of regions that China claims as its own. The US has been bullying China for over a month now. The thing is, there is a stronger alliance developing in the region between all the South Asian countries, US, Aus, Japan and India. So, China will stay "contained".

 

[xTinx]

I'd say good for them. Hopefully this partnership will not include supporting China's hegemonic designs on the Scarborough Shoal islands. They can continue their "economic globalization" and "multi-polaritazion" efforts between their respective countries but it's another story if they drag developing countries with whom China has strained relationships with into the picture and sow conflict where it's not needed.