China keen to boost strategic ties with Gulf states: FM

RIYADH, Dec. 25 -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underlined Wednesday China's keenness to promote strategic cooperation and ties in all fields with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

During his meeting with GCC General Secretary Abdullateef Al Zayani here, the top Chinese diplomat also affirmed the necessity of exerting efforts to reinforce ties with Saudi Arabia for the two peoples' interests, according to a statement released Wednesday by the GCC General Secretariat.

The two officials discussed the latest developments regarding the security situation in the region as well as regional and international topics of common interests.

The visit of the Chinese foreign minister to Saudi Arabia comes as part of a tour of the region that also covers Palestine, Israel, Algeria and Morocco.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and China have been witnessing sound development, especially in trade. According to a report in London- based Al Sharq Al Awsat newspaper published last month, China has become the largest commercial partner to Saudi Arabia with a total of 73 U.S. billion dollars worth of trade in 2012.

There are 140 Chinese companies working in Saudi Arabia with projects of more than 18 billion dollars in various sectors, including construction, communication, infrastructure and petrochemical.