On the afternoon of April 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping received a phone call from Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Xi Jinping noted that the Chinese side attaches great importance to developing its relations with the Kingdom and always adheres to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and the Chinese side is keen to seize this opportunity to work with the Saudi side to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, expand exchanges at all levels, and continue to advance China-Saudi relations in depth and breadth, setting an example for the development of relations between China and Arab countries.
Regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, Xi Jinping emphasized that the Chinese side calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and prevention of war, supports all efforts aimed at restoring peace, and is committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. The normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained, as this aligns with the common interests of regional countries and the international community. The Chinese side supports regional countries in building a shared home of good-neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation, and in firmly holding their destiny in their own hands, thereby promoting lasting security and stability in the region.
For his part, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said that Saudi-Chinese relations are strategic in nature and that developing relations with China holds great importance for the Kingdom. The ongoing war in the Middle East undermines the security of Gulf countries and seriously affects global energy supplies and the world economy. The Kingdom is working to resolve differences through dialogue and hopes to avoid escalation of the situation. China is a major responsible country on the international stage, consistently upholding a fair and impartial stance, and supports Middle Eastern countries in engaging in dialogue and cooperation on the basis of good-neighborly principles. The Kingdom is committed to enhancing communication and coordination with the Chinese side to preserve the truce, prevent the rekindling of war, ensure the security and freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly explore ways to achieve lasting security and stability in the region.
: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China