Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping signed here Saturday a joint statement for boosting cooperation and strategic relations. The two countries also signed an agreement for bolstering cooperation in the field of basic installations, reported the Saudi Press Agency. Crown Prince Sultan said the Kingdom sees in China an important and effective partner. The Chinese Vice President said it was his first visit since assuming office. He said choosing Saudi Arabia for his first visit shows the Chinese government's keenness to develop the relations of cooperation and friendship. During his visit, Xi will meet King Abdullah. He will also attend the opening ceremony of Saudi Arabia and China Economic and Trade Seminar, at which he will deliver a speech. In a written speech released at the airport, Xi said his visit will enhance the friendship between China and Saudi Arabia and help advance the relationship between the two countries in a sustained and stable way. Xi noted China attaches importance to relations with Saudi Arabia, saying that China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to continuously deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, China and Saudi Arabia have seen rapid growth of bilateral relations. The two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation in all fields, including political, economic, trade and culture. Xi arrived in Jeddah after concluding an official visit to Mongolia Saturday morning. He will also visit Qatar and Yemen. This is the first overseas visit by the Chinese vice president since he assumed office earlier this year. __
