Xi meets Saudi Arabia deputy defense minister

BEIJING, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday met with Khalid Sultan, deputy defense minister of Saudi Arabia.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the smooth growth of China's ties with Saudi Arabia since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1990, citing frequent high-level visits, fruitful cooperation in trade, the economy and energy, and close coordination in international affairs.

Xi underscored China's commitment to developing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia.

On the military front, he noted that China and Saudi Arabia have worked more closely in recent years.

The stronger military cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia benefits the bilateral relations and works for world and regional peace and stability, according to Xi.

The president called for more joint efforts to upgrade military-to-military relations.

Khalid underlined the solid friendship between the two countries and bilateral efforts to safeguard world and regional peace and stability.

The Saudi deputy defense minister said Saudi Arabian leaders place great importance on developing ties with China and would like to deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Khalid arrived in Beijing on Monday for a four-day China visit.

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