Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday that the Arab-Chinese summit asserted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Arab countries and China, stressing that cooperation with China would address many challenges.
He added, during a joint press conference with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit that cooperation with the second-largest economy is necessary but does not mean non-cooperation with the first economy, indicating that “The Kingdom has common interests with China and America, and we will continue to work to achieve them.”
Free Trade Agreement
He also added, “We discussed working to reach a free trade agreement between China and the GCC countries,” explaining that communication with China constitutes an extension of permanent communication with all countries of the world.
He pointed out that the focus was on specific decisions that support the areas of economic development with China, stressing that the Kingdom does not follow one path.
“We are open to everyone, and we believe in multilateral cooperation, and the relationship with China is deeper than just an issue of armaments,” said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan
He also indicated that the Kingdom has strategic partnerships with America, India, China, Japan, and Germany, explaining, “We will continue to formulate our policies according to our interests and are open to all.”
He stressed that China is very keen on the stability and security of the region, pointing out that the China-Arab Cooperation Forum was not born today, but dates back to 2004.
“An invaluable role for the Kingdom”
Moreover, he said that the Kingdom is an active player in the political arena, and has an influential role in the world, adding that “economic development is the source of our foreign policies.”
For his part, Ahmed Aboul Gheit affirmed that the Arab countries and China agreed on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, explaining that the Riyadh Declaration includes a common vision.
He expressed his hope that the implementation and follow-up of the Riyadh Declaration and the Arab-Chinese summit will continue.
“Full Membership Claim for Palestine”
As for the Palestinian issue, he stressed the need for the United Nations to demand full membership for Palestine.
While on the water file, he stressed that the Arab countries support Egypt and Sudan in their water security, repeating the statements of the Egyptian president at the summit, saying, “A legal and binding agreement must be reached on the issue of the Renaissance Dam.”
He made it clear that no one claims to ignore the United States because it is the largest economy in the world.
While the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council said that collective action is a guarantee of securing stability and security, stressing the continuation of the process of economic integration and development.
He added that the security and stability of the Gulf region are critical to the security and stability of the world.
Three Summits in Riyadh
It is noteworthy that Riyadh hosted 3 summits after the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, on a 3-day official visit, during which he held bilateral meetings, and participated in 3 summits:
A Saudi-Chinese summit chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Chinese president, with the participation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A Gulf-Chinese summit with the participation of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
An Arab-Chinese summit with the participation of leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab countries.
