Saudi Arabia to host Arab-Chinese summit to strengthen political ties

Foreign ministers from China and Arab states convened on Monday

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan. Reuters

Saudi Arabia will host an Arab-Chinese summit to discuss further partnerships and cooperation with China, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, announced on Tuesday.

On Monday he took part in an online ministerial meeting of the Arab-China states, which was co-chaired by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al Safadi and his Chinese equivalent, Wang Yi.

"The Arab-Chinese co-operation increases in strength and diversity with each passing day," Prince Faisal told the Saudi Press Agency.

"It is a co-operation that is based on mutual respect; respect for the principles of international law and norms; the sovereignty and independence of states; the commitment to peaceful resolutions of conflicts; and the mutual desire to deepen and strengthen the areas of co-operation to realise the interests of both the Arab and Chinese peoples.

“And it is no wonder that the positions of China and the Arab countries often aligned in international forums, especially in terms of establishing the foundations of peace, security and the prosperity for all peoples.

"Our joint efforts to face the effects of Covid-19 are some of the fruits of this co-operation."

On Monday, foreign ministers from China and Arab states rejected Israel’s plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank in a move proposed by the government of US President Donald Trump.

Mr Wang held calls with Prince Faisal and Mr Al Safadi on Saturday.

Chinese media reported Mr Al Safadi said that Jordan was willing to sign One Belt, One Road agreements in fields including trade, investment, science and technology and tourism.

Prince Faisal said Saudi Arabia had deepened bilateral ties with China.

China is Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, representing 13 per cent of the kingdom’s total exports and 15 per cent of its imports.