Chinese, Saudi FMs discuss regional cooperation

DM Monitoring

RIYADH: Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on boosting bilateral ties and regional cooperation.
Noting that China and Saudi Arabia share a comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said the development of the bilateral relations has maintained a sound momentum under the guidance of their heads of state.
As major changes are unfolding in the world and in the Middle East, the strategic importance of the China-Saudi Arabia relations has become more prominent, and the two sides need to conduct timely strategic communication, protect the common interests, and contribute to global peace, stability and development, Wang said.
He said China supports Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and stability, choosing a development path that fits its national situation, and playing a bigger role in regional and global affairs, while opposing interference in Saudi Arabia’s internal affairs under the pretext of ideology and values.
Wang said that China appreciates Saudi Arabia’s understanding and consistent support for China on the issues related to China’s core interests, including Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and other issues of China’s major concerns.
The sanctions imposed by a few Western countries on China over the Xinjiang-related issues based on elaborately fabricated lies are a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs which aims to suppress and contain China.
Such acts should be jointly rejected by all other countries, the Chinese diplomat noted.