China wants more hi-tech cooperation with Saudi Arabia, foreign minister Wang Yi says
- Kingdom is an ‘emerging market country with enormous potential’, diplomat says
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expected to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing
China sees “enormous potential” in Saudi Arabia’s economy and wants more hi-tech cooperation, its top diplomat said late on Thursday as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began a two-day trip to Beijing.
The Saudi delegation, including executives from Aramco, arrived in China on an Asia tour that has already seen the kingdom pledge investment of US$20 billion in Pakistan and seek additional investment in India’s refining industry.
The crown prince will meet President Xi Jinping, who has made stepping up China’s presence in the Middle East a key foreign policy objective, despite its traditional low-key role there.
Meeting Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, State Councillor Wang Yi said the main features of their ties were respect, understanding and support for each other, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“All countries in the world have the right to develop and Saudi Arabia is an emerging market country with enormous potential,” Wang was quoted as saying.
China supported Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy and was willing to strengthen hi-tech cooperation, he said.