Saudi Arabia, China to establish strategic partnership

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) RIYADH Jan 20 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia and China agreed Wednesday to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual benefit and common interests.The partnership aims to enhance cooperation in the political economic commercial cultural humanitarian military security and energy fields and upgrade the bilateral relations according to a joint communique issued following a two-day state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Saudi Arabia. During the visit the Saudi King and the Chinese President held summit talks and exchanged in-depth viewpoints on the bilateral relations and regional and international issues in a cordial atmosphere the communique carried by the Saudi SPA said.The two sides expressed satisfaction over the great strides made by the relations between the Kingdom and China since they establishment of the diplomatic relations on July 21 1990 particularly the announcement in 2008 of establishing strategic friendship ties between the two countries.The two leaders expressed a shared desire to augment and deepen cooperation in all fields and decided to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic relation.Regarding the political cooperation the two sides agree that Saudi Arabia and China play an increasing role on the international area amid the accelerated development of the multipolar system in the world and the economic globalization.The two sides always view their joint relations through a far-sighted and strategic perspective and manage.The two sides are keen on continuing their high-level visit exchanges and affirmed interest in the creation of consultation mechanisms between the two countries in different fields.They renewed support to the vital interests of each other with the Saudi side confirming its firm commitment to one-China policy and the Chinese side confirming its support for the Saudi efforts to preserve the security and stability.As for energy cooperation the two sides expressed desire to continue enhancing the relations in the field of energy and underscored the importance of oil market stability for the world economy.The Chinese side appreciated the prominent role being played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to guarantee the stability of the world oil market in its capacity as a safe and reliable oil supplier of the world market the communique noted.Regarding the scientific cooperation both sides reaffirmed commitment to the principle of mutual benefit and agreed to activate the role of the mechanism of the Saudi-Chinese joint committee for cooperation in the economic trade investment and technical fields.They also agreed to expand joint investment and continue to deepen cooperation in the field of infrastructure including railways roads bridges ports telecommunications and others.The two sides applauded the launching of cooperation in the areas of space satellites the peaceful use of nuclear power and the renewable energies.The two sides welcomed the consultation on the building the Silk Road Economic Belt which aims to link China to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea through Central Asia and the Indian Ocean.The Chinese side praised the participation of the Saudi side as a founding member in the creation of 'the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).The two sides are keen to enhance cooperation in the relevant fields and make joint efforts to push development and renaissance in Asia region the communique said.On the security cooperation they stressed categorical rejection of all forms of terrorism which threatens peace and stability in various parts of the world.They expressed willingness to enhance security cooperation in this regard and confirm their refusal to link terrorism with any religion or doctrine.The Chinese side expresses its appreciation for the Saudi contributions to the establishment of the United Nations Centre for the fight against terrorism and renewed support to all efforts by the Kingdom and other countries in the face of terrorism.As for cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields the two sides confirm that all civilizations must exchange respect and tolerance in order to achieve harmonious coexistence among different human civilizations. The Chinese side praises the active Saudi efforts to promote dialogue and communication among different civilizations and religions. The two sides confirmed their readiness to make joint efforts to maintain the cultural diversity in a spirit of tolerance and mutual benefit and the Chinese side appreciates the Saudi efforts for the establishment of King Abdullah International Centre for dialogue among followers of religions and cultures in Vienna.The two sides encourage cultural exchanges between the two countries at the official and popular levels and support the communication and cooperation in the media health education scientific research tourism and other areas and will continue to exchange the holding of cultural weeks and active participation in various cultural events held by the other side and strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the youth and sports areas and professional skills so as to enhance communication and friendship between both countries and peoples.On regional issues the two sides agreed that peace and stability in the Middle East is in the best interest of the international community and renuewd support to the right of states to determine their respective developmental systems. 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