Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir has delivered a lecture in the Chinese capital of Beijing at Middle East Studies Association. The Foreign Minister confirmed that relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the People's Republic of China have been distinguished as the two sides believe in key principles that have contributed to deepening relations, notably respecting for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their affairs. He pointed out that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched Vision 2030 to expand economic fields in order to reduce depending on oil, and to create an environment of creativity that would attract investors in areas such as mining, entertainment, technology, etc., in addition to creating an environment adopting transparency and quality of performance for government institutions to create the climate for youths in the Kingdom to take advantages of available opportunities for contributing to building the Kingdom and developing its economy and standards of living. The Minister added that the Kingdom's vision 2030 aims to create a climate of tolerance and moderation for confronting extremism and opening up areas for Saudi women to be partners in building the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With regard to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Foreign Minister Al-Jubeir affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia considers itself as an essential partner to the Republic of China in this project, which would have a great impact on the economic and social future of the world and would contribute to the security and stability of the region. He also added that we are consulting with friends in China on how to cooperate with them in this area as we are also consulting with our friends and brothers in the region regarding investment opportunities and the Middle East region to play a key role in such a huge project. Finally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's and the People's Republic of China's keenness to intensify scientific exchanges as the Kingdom has sent its students to China for education and to become bridges between the two countries in the future, adding that now we have hundreds of students studying at Chinese universities and the Kingdom has also opened a branch of King Abdulaziz Library in Beijing to encourage exchange between scholars, researchers and students in both countries.
