Beijing — Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, second deputy premier and minister of defense, discussed with Chinese leaders regional and international issues of concern after his arrival in Beijing on Monday. During his three day stay, the Deputy Crown Prince will have several bilateral meetings with Chinese leaders. He will also attend the Saudi-Chinese Higher Committee meeting at its first session. Eight Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Council of Saudi Chambers and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). One of them related to boosting exchange of data information. Seven others were signed between Saudi companies and their Chinese counterparts. Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid Al-Qasabi said that the agreements were related to energy, technology, services, human resources development. Saudi ministers also attended the China-Saudi Business Forum. Opening remarks were made by CCPIT Chairman Wang Jinzhen, Chairman of Saudi-China Business Council Eng. Abdullah Al-Mobty and Minister of Commerce and Investment Majid Al-Qasabi. Saudi Ambassador to China Turki Al-Madhi stressed the importance of the visit, noting that it will help strengthen relations between the Kingdom and China. He said the visit is an opportunity to highlight the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Meanwhile, Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad sent a cable of thanks to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after his departure from Islamabad. In his cable, the Deputy Crown Prince said the visit underlined the depth of the strategic relationship between the two countries and solidarity between the two brotherly peoples. Prime Minister Sharif assured Prince Muhammad that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia through thick and thin as solidarity and integrity of the Kingdom is the cornerstone of Pakistan's external policy. The Deputy Crown Prince was accorded the protocol of the head of the government during his brief stay in Pakistan. In a brief press release issued on the conclusion of the visit the PM House stated after midnight that the prime minister and the Deputy Crown Prince pledged to further enhance the bilateral ties and strengthen their cooperation in diverse fields.
