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BEIJING — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Thursday attended the Saudi-Chinese Investment Forum (SCIF). King Salman was received by Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Adel Fakieh and a number of officials.
The King was briefed about the Fujian Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd. (FREP) refinery, which is jointly owned by Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil as well as Fujian Petrochemical Company. The King was also briefed on SABIC projects in the Kingdom and China.
King Salman, who met with heads of Chinese major companies, expressed his pleasure on attending the forum, while stressing the importance of cooperation between the Kingdom and China. He also stressed on the exchange of visits by officials and businessmen between the two countries, and added that it will enhance bilateral relations and serve the interest of the two countries and their peoples.
"We take care of our interests as well as the interests of those working with us. I'm pleased with this visit which will enhance the good relations between the two countries in all fields," King Salman said.
The King then headed to the main hall where the Saudi businessmen participating in the Saudi-Chinese Investment Forum met with him.
He watched a film about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its Vision 2030 as well as China's Belt and Road Initiative, in addition to the Saudi economic experience in China.
China's Minister of Commerce Hucheng delivered a speech in which he welcomed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, saying that his visit comes at an important time to enhance the historical bonds between the two countries and to increase the level of bilateral cooperation especially in economic and commercial fields.
He also said that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries in 2016 reached record levels, stressing that China is making all efforts to develop relations with Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and China's Belt and Road Initiative.
For his part, the Minister of Economy and Planning Fakieh said in his speech that this investment forum is a new step to enhance economic, commercial and investment cooperation, which has lasted for decades between Saudi Arabia and China.
He also said that China has always been the focus of attention of the Kingdom, as it is one of the most prominent trading partners due to its important economic role in the world and the Middle East. — SPA
