Saudi Arabia Desires to Promote Ties with ChinaSaudi Arabia Monday expressed its desire to promote ties with China, saying that the Gulf state regards China as a close friend.Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said after receiving a greeting message from Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji that he is satisfied with the smooth and continuous development of the bilateral relations in all areas. He also expressed the hope that the two countries would further promote cooperation in international affairs for the benefit of both countries. In the message, which was conveyed by Chinese Ambassador Wu Sike, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu granted their appreciation to the attention the Gulf country attached to the development of Sino-Saudi relations. The message also said that Saudi-Chinese cooperation, which conforms to the common interest of both sides, has witnessed major development since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations July 21, 1990. China has become the seventh biggest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, with bilateral trade totalling 540 million U.S. dollars in the first half of 2000. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |