RIYADH: China’s newly appointed ambassador to the Kingdom met with Saudi Arabia’s finance vice minister in Riyadh, signaling that relations between the two countries are set to flourish.
Abdulmuhsen Al-Khalaf welcomed Chang Hua on July 15 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance, where the pair discussed joint relations between their nations and ways to enhance them, as well as additional economic and financial topics of common interest, according to the Saudi Finance Ministry.
Diplomatic and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and China have been strengthening in recent years. In November 2023, the Kingdom’s central bank, also known as SAMA, and the People’s Bank of China signed a local currency swap agreement worth $6.93 billion.
Chang Hua arrived in Saudi Arabia on May 10 as the new ambassador of China, replacing Chen Weiqing.
The new envoy, who has previously served as an ambassador to the UAE and Iran, respectively, is now also China’s representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Since his arrival, the diplomat has met with a range of Saudi officials to ensure relations between his country and the Kingdom maintain their strength.
He held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, on July 11, and the officials reviewed bilateral relations and discussed mutual interests, according to a post by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on its X account.
Retweeting the post, the Chinese diplomat commented: “China and Saudi Arabia – a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Moreover, Hua also met with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef. In a post on his X account, he affirmed China’s intent to expand cooperation with Saudi Arabia in industry, mining, and other fields.
Recently, Saudi Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, hosted Hua at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, attended by officials from both sides, they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed enhancing cooperation in the municipal and housing sectors.
Al-Hogail emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships with China in real estate development, contracting, and municipal services. He expressed his aspiration to strengthen and develop the partnership, including forming a joint working team to enhance cooperation.
Hua expressed pride in the historical diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and China and emphasized his country’s interest in developing commercial and investment relations, and creating joint opportunities in infrastructure and contracting sectors.
These high-level meetings between Chinese and Saudi officials highlight the deepening ties and shared economic goals of the two nations. With discussions covering finance, defense, industry, and housing, both sides aim to enhance their strategic partnership.
