Riyadh- A Chinese official told Asharq Al-Awsat that Beijing is witnessing discussions between Saudi and Chinese officials in order to put the schedule for the first meeting of the joint governmental committee in order to follow up with the agreements and discussions held by the Chinese President in his latest visit to Saudi Arabia in January.
The visit ended with the signing of 14 different agreements in fields of modern, advanced and accurate industries in addition to technology of the nuclear industry and energy.
The official noted that the discussions focus on means of expanding in energy industry and production capacity and implementing other joint programs in line with “Saudi Vision 2030.”
In this matter, China’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Li Huaxin told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are Saudi-Chinese joint talks held in Beijing between a number of Chinese officials and the Saudi delegation, which is headed by Eng. Khaled al-Falih.
China’s Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with Saudi Arabian Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid al-Falih in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to further enhance bilateral economic cooperation.
Calling Saudi Arabia a “major partner” in the Gulf and Middle East, Zhang said China is willing to maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges and better synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Economic Vision 2030.
President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia in January, reaching consensus on various issues with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
During that visit, the two countries announced a comprehensive strategic partnership and set up a high-level committee to guide and coordinate cooperation.
“China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to prepare for the first meeting of high-level committee and boost coordination in international and regional affairs,” Zhang was quoted as telling al-Falih.
The Saudi minister, who is in Beijing to attend the Group of 20 (G-20) Energy Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday, said Saudi Arabia is implementing the consensus reached between the two leaders.
He said his country is preparing for the first meeting of the high-level committee, vowing to further deepen ties in areas including energy and investment