Saudi Arabia, China to enhance relations

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia and China have agreed to enhance their bilateral relations under a strategic framework, Beijing announced.

The agreement came during talks in Riyadh between visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Saudi King Abdallah, Xinhua news agency reported.

Wen was quoted as saying Saudi Arabia is a major country in the Arab and Islamic world, playing a significant role in regional and international affairs. He said China respects the country's political system, development and its culture and traditions, and is grateful for Saudi Arabia's support of China's core interests and major concerns.

Wen said China is willing to strengthen coordination with Saudi Arabia on major issues, develop an all-around cooperative partnership in the energy sector, expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, high-tech, finance, security and law enforcement, the report said.

The Saudi leader said his government and people cherish friendly feelings for China, and he believes the strengthening of bilateral cooperation will benefit peoples of both countries, the report said.

China accepted his proposal to set up a Saudi Arabia-China high level committee to supervise their cooperation in political, economic, cultural and security sectors.

Wen was also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.