On the afternoon of April 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed on request.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and always adheres to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, and mutual benefit. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China is willing to take this opportunity with Saudi Arabia to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, continue to expand the breadth and depth of China-Saudi Arabia relations, and play an exemplary role in the development of China's relations with Arab countries.
In response to the current situation in the Middle East and Gulf region, Xi Jinping emphasized that China advocates an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the war, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and insists on resolving disputes through political and diplomatic channels. Normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained, which is in the common interest of regional countries and the international community. China supports regional countries in building a common home of good neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, taking the future and destiny into their own hands, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mohammed said that Saudi Arabia-China relations are strategic and developing relations with China is crucial to Saudi Arabia. The current war in the Middle East has damaged the security of Gulf countries and seriously affected the world's energy supply and economic operations. Saudi Arabia is committed to resolving conflicts and differences through dialogue and hopes to avoid escalation of the situation. China is a responsible world power that has always upheld an impartial stance and supported good-neighborliness, friendship, dialogue and cooperation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, maintain the ceasefire situation, prevent the resumption of war, ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly find ways to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region.
