Beijing: China’s foreign ministry said Mr Wang stressed the urgency of finalising the China-GCC free trade agreement, describing it as a “strong signal to the world” in defence of multilateralism at a time when free trade is “under attack.”
Mr Wang is on a three-nation tour of the Middle East, which began in the United Arab Emirates and is expected to conclude in Jordan. On December 14, he met GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, alongside separate meetings with senior Saudi officials.
During the meeting with the GCC chief, Mr Wang said China supports the bloc’s efforts to strengthen strategic autonomy, improve coordination and advance regional integration. He added that Beijing is keen to deepen cooperation with GCC states in areas including trade, investment and broader economic ties.
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China’s engagement with Saudi Arabia featured prominently during the visit. Mr Wang met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud in Riyadh on December 14, where both sides agreed to enhance communication and coordination on regional and international issues. China praised Saudi Arabia’s role in Middle East diplomacy and regional security, according to official statements.
A joint statement carried by China’s state news agency Xinhua said Beijing supports efforts by Saudi Arabia and Iran to improve relations, while both countries reaffirmed their backing for a “comprehensive and just settlement” of the Palestinian issue. While specific areas of coordination were not detailed, the statement underlined growing diplomatic alignment between the two nations.
Mr Wang described Saudi Arabia as a “priority for Middle East diplomacy” and an important partner in global affairs, the Chinese foreign ministry said. He also encouraged expanded cooperation in energy, investment, new energy technologies and green transformation.
In a separate meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Mr Wang said China is ready to act as the kingdom’s “most reliable partner” in its national revitalisation, while contributing to peace and stability across the region.
