On February 10, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz in Riyadh. The two heads of state vowed to deepen their strategic friendly ties, work together to tackle the global financial crisis and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs in a bid to push bilateral ties to a new high.
"China-Saudi Arabia ties have developed rapidly and reached an all-time high since the heads of state exchanged their visits in 2006," Hu told King Abdullah. Hu said China values the important role Saudi Arabia has played in safeguarding regional peace and stability and ensuring international energy security. China has always dealt with its relations with Saudi Arabia from a strategic point of view, he said. "The international situation is undergoing complicated and profound changes. In particular, the global financial crisis has posed severe challenges to us," Hu said. Under such circumstances, strengthening bilateral cooperation is of greater significance, he added.
Hu raised a six-point proposal on developing China-Saudi Arabia strategic friendly ties. First, maintain high-level visits and establish a high-level consultation mechanism. Hu urged both sides to implement relevant consensus and launch the supreme mixed committee mechanism between the two countries. Second, take advantage of their own resources and markets, promote an all-round energy partnership and expand two-way investment. Third, expand the scale of economic and trade cooperation and raise the level of cooperation. The Chinese government encourages more competent businesses of the country to participate in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure construction and enhance cooperation on project contract and labor. Fourth, advance exchanges in the fields of education, sports and tourism and expand personnel contacts. Fifth, strengthen communication and coordination in major international and regional issues and safeguard regional peace and stability. Sixth, enhance cooperation within the framework of group cooperation between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Hu, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, thanked for Saudi Arabia's precious support to the Chinese people in their fight against the quake disaster and in their efforts to host the Beijing Olympic Games.
King Abdullah warmly welcomed Hu’s visit and echoed Hu's comments and proposals on bilateral relations, saying both countries enjoy fraternal ties and China is Saudi Arabia's most sincere friend. He said it is in the common interests of both countries to foster friendship and Saudi Arabia has a strong will to promote bilateral ties. The king said his country would like to seek stronger cooperation in trade, economic and other fields with China and exchange views on international issues of common concern. The king said the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has sound cooperation with China and all its member countries have sincerity to further develop ties. He expressed belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, Saudi Arabia-China relations will achieve better development.
On the financial crisis, Hu said China and Saudi Arabia should step up coordination, work more closely on trade and investment, jointly respond to and guard against financial risks, in a bid to ensure the two countries' economic and financial stability. Hu and King Abdullah agreed on keeping closer communication on reforming the world financial system, particularly on a Group of 20 financial summit to be held in London in April.
King Abdullah said the two countries should join hands to cope with the impact of the current global financial crisis. Saudi Arabia is ready to strengthen communication with China on the upcoming Group of 20 financial summit to be held in London in April.
Following the talks, Hu and King Abdullah attended the signing ceremony of five cooperation deals on energy, health, quarantine, transportation and culture.
On the evening of the same day, President Hu attended a welcoming banquet hosted by King Abdullah.
Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo attended the above activities.