Chinese leader to arrive in Saudi Arabia
2022.12.06 08:14
Chinese leader to arrive in Saudi Arabia
Budrigannews.com – The Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Tuesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for a two-day visit that will include meetings with several Arab leaders.
SPA referred to the visit as a “strategic partnership” between China and Saudi Arabia, which is China’s primary oil supplier, with dozens of energy and investment agreements anticipated.
However, during his first visit to the kingdom since the beginning of 2016 and at a low point in Riyadh’s ties with its main foreign partner, the United States, Xi may also discuss regional security with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to SPA, the leader of China will also attend a summit with countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council and a larger gathering of Arab leaders hosted by Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia is China’s most important Middle Eastern ally because of its importance as an oil supplier and their shared suspicion of Western interference, particularly in human rights issues.
In October, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Saudi Arabia was a “priority” in its regional and overall diplomatic strategy.
