Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Riyadh on Sunday, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The Crown Prince has discussed aspects of Saudi-Chinese relations with Wang Yi and further explored various approaches to strengthen bilateral ties.
During the reception, they also reviewed the latest development in regional and international situations of common interest.
The reception witnessed the attendance of Saudi Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Saudi Ambassador to China, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi.
Official Middle East Tour
Chinese Foreign Minister embarked on an official tour to the Middle East on December 12 and will last until December 16, according to AFP.
The Top diplomat will hold bilateral talks with foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The talks will focus on bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East and major issues of common concern.
China & Middle East Relations
In recent years, the trade and diplomatic relations between Beijing and the Middle East have seen remarkable growth, challenging the longstanding dominance of the United States influence in the region.
“China expects that through this visit, it can consolidate political mutual trust with the three countries,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.
Beijing has been intensifying its efforts to position itself as a mediator in the region by facilitating a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023.
Moreover, China has taken a more neutral stance in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict than its rival the US.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a significant global infrastructure project developed over the last decade under President Xi Jinping, has further deepened its influence in the Middle East.
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