Chinese President Xi Jinping met Gulf leaders at a summit on Friday after earlier signing a series of agreements with Saudi Arabia, Arab News reported.
The leader of the world’s second biggest economy sat down with regional rulers on the third and final day of his trip, only his third journey outside China since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Xi also committed China’s unwavering support for the Gulf countries’ security and assured that the Asian giant will continue to import oil in large quantities from the region.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier addressed the gathering, noting that the summit reflected the common desire to strengthen Gulf-Chinese cooperation.
The Gulf countries are bolstering ties with China as part of part of a strategy diversifying their fossil fuel-reliant economies.