Xi put forward a number of suggestions on advancing Sino-Saudi relations. Firstly, he said the two countries should maintain high-level contact and communication, enhance consultation and coordination at all levels, expand common ground, improve mutual trust and strengthen mutual support and cooperation on regional and international affairs.

    Secondly, the two countries should expand cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and energy by fully tapping into the complementarity of the two economies, advance the building of a sound and efficient system of investment and cooperation, strengthen cooperation in such fields as infrastructure construction, engineering project contracts, labor export and occupational training, he added.

    Thirdly, Xi said the two countries should enhance cultural exchanges and step up dialogues between different civilizations so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping meets with Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 21, 2008.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Crown Prince Sultan said the Saudi people cherish deep friendly feelings toward the Chinese people and regard China as an important cooperative partner, adding that Saudi Arabia wishes to increase exchanges with China, and strengthen communication and coordination with China on bilateral relations and regional and international affairs.

    The two nations should give a full play to the role of the mixed committee of trade and economy in a bid to accelerate cooperation in economy, trade, energy, science and technology and culture, support their companies to develop cooperation and lift bilateral links to a higher level, said the crown prince.

    After the talks, Xi and Crown Prince Sultan signed a China-Saudi Arabia joint statement on strengthening cooperative and strategic friendly relations, which is aimed to further enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, trade, fiscal policy, culture and regional and international affairs.