Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Wednesday spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on phone. Both the leaders reviewed the Saudi-China strategic relations and the bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields as well as the latest regional and international developments. King Salman commended the effectiveness of the Saudi-Chinese economic coordination, reflecting the strong strategic relationship between the two countries. For his part, the Chinese president pointed to the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries on a regular basis and their permanent coordination on international and regional issues of common interest. President Xi Jinping also stressed his country's keenness to make more joint efforts with the Kingdom to take the friendship and strategic relations between the two countries to new heights. Xi told King Salman that China has made great strides in developing its all-round strategic partnership with the Saudis, especially in terms of energy cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry said. "China highly values the comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, and views the latter as a significant partner in the pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," Xi said "China appreciates Saudi Arabia's genuine efforts to promote China-Arab relations and the development of relations between China and Islamic countries," a short statement quoted Xi as saying. "China lauds Saudi Arabia's objective and fair stance on China's core interests and major concerns, and reiterates its support to Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and stability, and also backs Saudi Arabia in carrying out economic transformation to achieve greater development." — SG
