China and Saudi Arabia reaffirm strong energy ties as Ukraine war pushes up prices
- Xi Jinping and Mohammed bin Salman trade views on Ukraine and agree to align their countries’ key development plans
- Talks meant to ease speculation about China’s oil purchases, analyst says
In a call between the two leaders, Xi said China “prioritises developing relations with Saudi Arabia”.
They also exchanged views on Ukraine, and agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, trade, high technology, transport, and infrastructure, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
The two countries would also push to link China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and increase cooperation between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab League, the statement said.
“The overall and strategic importance of the China-Saudi relationship has become greater with the change in the international and regional situations,” Xi was quoted as saying.
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Saudi Arabia has long been the biggest oil supplier to China, the world’s largest oil buyer. The Gulf state supplied 17 per cent of China’s total crude oil imports last year, followed by Russia with 15.5 per cent.
