China, Saudi Arabia agree to strengthen coordination on regional, global matters

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Flags of China and Saudi Arabia are seen in this picture, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 7, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Benmansour

BEIJING, Dec 15 - China and Saudi Arabia agreed to have closer communication and coordination on regional and international issues, with Beijing lauding Riyadhs role in ‍Middle ​East diplomacy, statements following a meeting between the ‍nations foreign ministers on Sunday showed.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a three-nation ​tour in ​the Middle East that began in the United Arab Emirates and is expected to end in Jordan. He met with Saudi Arabias Foreign ‍Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud in Riyadh on Sunday.

A joint statement published ​by Chinas official news agency ⁠Xinhua did not elaborate on what issues the countries will strengthen coordination on, but mentioned Chinas support for Saudi Arabia and Iran developing and enhancing their relations.

(China) appreciates Saudi ​Arabias leading role and efforts to achieve regional and international security and stability, the statement ‌released on Monday said.

The statement ​also reiterated both countries support for a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue and the formation of an independent state for Palestinians.

At a high-level meeting, Wang told his Saudi counterpart that China has always regarded Saudi Arabia as a priority for Middle East diplomacy and an important partner in global diplomacy, ‍a Chinese foreign ministry statement on Monday said.

He also encouraged more ​cooperation in energy and investments, as well as in the fields of new energy and ​green transformation.

The countries have agreed to mutually exempt ‌visas for diplomatic