Saudi communications minister eyes stronger sci-tech cooperation with China

RIYADH, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha on Sunday hailed China's scientific and technological progress, expressing the kingdom's pride in its partnership with China and its willingness to expand cooperation with Chinese technology companies.

Alswaha made the remarks in response to a question from Xinhua during a government press conference in Riyadh ahead of the LEAP 2026 Tech Conference, which opens on Monday.

Recalling his visit to China last month, Alswaha praised China's scientific and technological capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence, mathematics and physics.

He noted that China places great importance on the basic sciences and has a large pool of mathematicians and physicists, which contributes to its global competitiveness in science and technology.

Alswaha said China's technological developments often draw extensive coverage from global media, describing this as a reflection of a "great wave of knowledge and technological advancement."

Alswaha noted that Saudi Arabia has learned a lot from China, values its partnership with the country, and expects to further collaborate with Chinese tech companies.

The LEAP Tech Conference is an annual global technology event hosted in the Saudi capital Riyadh, first held in 2022.

LEAP 2026, the fifth edition of the conference, will take place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3 under the theme "Into New Worlds," with a number of Chinese companies to participate.