Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz (L) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 13, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Zhen) Photo Gallery>>>

    RIYADH, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz met Wednesday with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, with both sides vowing to deepen bilateral relationship.

    Yang, who is on his first official foreign visit of the year, spoke highly of the "comprehensive, fast and in-depth development of bilateral ties since China and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties 20 years ago," an official press release gained by Xinhua said.

    Bilateral ties have featured the continuously deepened mutual trust, enhanced cooperation in various fields and increasingly close coordination in international and regional issues, Yang was quoted as saying.

    He stressed that Chinese President Hu Jintao and King Abdullah have jointly upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic and friendly relationship, which pointed out the way for future development of Sino-Saudi ties.

    Dubbing Saudi Arabia a reliable friend and sincere partner of cooperation, Yang pledged that China will take the occasion of the20th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a chance to promote further in-depth development of Sino-Saudi strategic and friendly relationship.

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz (R) meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 13, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Zhen) Photo Gallery>>>

    King Abdullah said that his country attached great importance to Saudi-Sino relations, and regarded China as its close friend.

    He said that the bilateral relations of the two countries have been developing smoothly, with improved political mutual trust, economic and trade collaborations and cultural exchanges. Saudi Arabia highly appreciated China's impartial attitudes towards international affairs, and its involvement in the noble course of the world's peace and development.

    He said that Saudi Arabia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and promote the strategic and friendly ties with China.

    The Chinese foreign minister arrived in Riyadh Tuesday afternoon, on the last leg of his visit, which has taken him to five African nations, namely Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Algeria and Morocco.