Wangyong Consulate General of the People's Republic of China
ON the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I would like to express my greetings to those Chinese and overseas Chinese who work, study and live in western Saudi Arabia on behalf of the country's Consulate General in Jeddah. China has undergone remarkable changes over the last 63 years. Especially during the past 30 years of opening-up and reform, China has gotten well along with other countries of the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. With sustainable and fast development of the economy for years, China has made great achievements in the fields of politics, economy, culture, science and technology and society. The Chinese enjoy political stability, economic prosperity, social harmony and a peaceful and happy life. However, China remains to be a developing country and will encounter a lot of difficulties and challenges because of its huge population, imbalance in development and great pressures on employment opportunities, resources and environment. China will continue to pursue peaceful development and promote global prosperity and win-win cooperation. The country devotes itself to maintaining global peace. Currently there are about 10,000 Chinese and overseas Chinese living in the western part of Saudi Arabia. Within the Chinese consular district of Jeddah, there are over 30 Chinese corporations engaged in project contracting, labor cooperation and investment. Some 30 projects worth billions of dollars are being carried out by Chinese contracting companies. They include a light rail project in Makkah, a power generation project in Rabigh, the expansion of cement production line No. 5 in Yanbu, the SWCC pipeline project and Makkah–Madinah high-speed rail project, among others. About 6,000 Chinese are working in these projects. In January 2012, the Chinese Petroleum and Chemical Corporation and Saudi Aramco signed an agreement establishing a Sinopec-Aramco refinery limited company in Yanbu in charge of the construction and operation of a new refinery. Meanwhile, China and Saudi Arabia constantly strengthen their cooperation in the fields of culture, health and sports. There are about 200 Chinese students and teachers in King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and about 100 Chinese students studying in universities in Makkah and Madinah. Over 200 Chinese nurses are employed in Saudi hospitals and a number of Chinese sports coaches are working in the Kingdom. By the end of September, about 15,000 Chinese visas were issued to businessmen and tourists from the western part of Saudi Arabia. China has over 20 million Muslims belonging to 10 different ethnic groups. Their religious beliefs and social customs are respected in the country. Each year, the Chinese government organizes pilgrimage trips for its Muslim population. About 13,700 Chinese Muslims will perform Haj this year. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Saudi Arabia 22 years ago, Sino-Saudi relations have developed rapidly and comprehensively. In 2008, Sino-Saudi strategic partnership was established. China treats Saudi Arabia as a reliable brother and a sincere partner. China is willing to work together with Saudi Arabia to constantly enrich the strategic and friendly relations. China appreciates valuable Saudi support in Chinese core interests and major concerns. We also thank the Saudi government and people for offering all help and facilities for the Chinese living in this part of Saudi Arabia. Wish Sino-Saudi friendship a long life.
