Wang Yi Speaks with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the Phone

On October 17, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Wang Yi said, in the face of the volatile international situation, China and Saudi Arabia need to maintain close strategic communication, which is an inherent part of the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership. In recent years, under the personal concern and strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Saudi Arabia relations have been developing steadily. China has always given priority to its relations with Saudi Arabia in its diplomacy in the Middle East and is willing to be Saudi Arabia's long-term, reliable and stable good friend and partner. China looks forward to working with Saudi Arabia to push bilateral relations to a higher and deeper level.

Wang Yi said, China appreciates Saudi Arabia's firm standing with China on issues concerning China's core interests. China will, as always, firmly support Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and stability, and firmly oppose any interference in Saudi Arabia's internal affairs. China will continue to support Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030", "Green Middle East" and "Green Saudi Arabia" initiatives, and actively participate in Saudi Arabia's major development projects. China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030", so as to achieve more results in China-Saudi Arabia cooperation in energy, infrastructure, investment and 5G. China is ready to take the 40th anniversary of China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relations as an opportunity to conclude the negotiation on a China-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at an early date. China appreciates Saudi Arabia's active preparations for the China-Arab Summit and stands ready to stay in communication with Saudi Arabia and start preparations for the summit at an appropriate time.

Wang Yi pointed out that China always upholds an objective and just position on the Iranian nuclear issue and is committed to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and safeguarding security and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf region without any selfish interests or geopolitical considerations. China understands and supports the legitimate concerns of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its national security. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is an important achievement of multilateralism. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the negotiations on resuming the implementation of the JCPOA.

Faisal said, Saudi Arabia-China relations are very important and developing well. Saudi Arabia always regards China as a truly credible strategic partner and is ready to work with China to deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas. He thanked China for opposing external interference in Saudi Arabia's internal affairs. Saudi Arabia also firmly opposes any interference in China's internal affairs, which is a principle that Saudi Arabia has always upheld. Saudi Arabia looks forward to holding the first Arab-China Summit next year and believes that the summit will be an important milestone in the history of Arab-China relations. Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to and will actively push forward the negotiation of the China-GCC FTA, believing that it serves the common interests of both sides. Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's unique role on the Iranian nuclear issue and expects China to play an important role in promoting the resumption of the JCPOA and the comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern.