Chinese FM expounds on Xi's Mideast trip

MAKING LAYOUT TOGETHER FOR CHINA-GCC COOPERATION

Noting that the China-GCC Summit marks the first time leaders of China and GCC states got together, Wang said Xi's speech keenly expounded on how to establish the China-GCC strategic partnership from the four aspects of unity, development, security and civilization.

Xi stressed that the two sides should be partners for greater solidarity, common development, common security and cultural prosperity, Wang noted.

The Chinese president put forward five priority areas for China-GCC cooperation in the next three to five years, namely, setting up a new paradigm of all-dimensional energy cooperation, making new progress in finance and investment cooperation, expanding new areas of cooperation on innovation, science and technology, seeking new breakthroughs in aerospace cooperation, and nurturing new highlights in language and cultural cooperation, Wang added.

During his meetings with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Xi pointed out that China takes the development of its relations with Saudi Arabia as a priority in its overall foreign relations, in particular its diplomacy in the Middle East, and pushes for greater progress in the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said.

King Salman said that the two sides have reached important common understandings on many issues, and that what are China's interests are Saudi Arabia's interests as well, Wang noted.

The crown prince said that Saudi Arabia firmly supports China's measures and efforts for deradicalization, and that more Chinese companies are welcomed to take an active part in the industrialization process of Saudi Arabia, Wang noted.

Both sides agreed to hold a meeting between the two heads of state by turns every two years, Wang said, adding that during Xi's visit, the leaders of the two countries agreed to synergize the Belt and Road cooperation and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

Wang said Xi actively promoted the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, elaborated on the Chinese path to modernization and the purpose of China's foreign policy, and underlined that China will firmly pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and create new opportunities for Arab states and all other countries with China's new development.

Noting that the Palestinian issue bears on peace and stability in the Middle East and concerns international fairness and justice, Wang said Xi reiterated that China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, supports Palestine in becoming a full member of the United Nations, and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestine.

Arab leaders reiterated their countries' firm adherence to the one-China principle and unswerving support for China in safeguarding its core interests, Wang added.