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Workers interact at the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (IASREF) in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 27, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)
In addition to the energy and mining industries, the minister said Saudi Arabia also boasts a unique geographical location and complete infrastructure with booming start-ups, which can make it an important hub for Chinese investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa.
RIYADH, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Deep synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will bring advanced science, technology and ideas to the country and boost its economic and social development, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhoraef said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, the Saudi minister highlighted the high complementarity between the two countries in the fields of economy and trade, saying that while China is at the forefront of world innovation and high-tech development, Saudi Arabia has rich mineral resources.
The minister noted that the mining industry plays a key role in the kingdom’s vision 2030, as the development and exploitation of mineral resources, as well as the production, processing and export of semi-products, are key steps for the kingdom to reduce its reliance on oil and gas resources and diversify its economy.
Speaking highly of the “impressive” performance of Chinese companies, he said that they have rich experience in the field and hoped that “the Chinese side can pass on the experience to Saudi young men and women so that they can lead our geodetic projects in the future.”
Moreover, Alhoraef expressed confidence in the broad prospects of bilateral cooperation.
In addition to the energy and mining industries, the minister said Saudi Arabia also boasts a unique geographical location and complete infrastructure with booming start-ups, which can make it an important hub for Chinese investment and trade in the Middle East and North Africa.
He invited China to participate in the construction of Saudi railways, ports and expressways.
The minister also called on the two sides to expand their partnership in people-to-people exchanges, such as language teaching and vocational training.
People visit a photo exhibition showing friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Arab countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on December 7, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)
“China is not only an important partner of our kingdom economically, but also in many other areas,” he said.
Saudi Arabia, with its beautiful natural landscapes, pays great attention to the development of tourism, Alhoraif said, adding that he welcomes an increasing number of Chinese tourists because friendship between countries lies in people.
Speaking at the first Sino-Arab summit held in Riyadh on Friday, he said it will further advance the Sino-Arab community with a shared future.
“All Arab countries want to raise living standards and achieve social and economic development for their peoples,” Alhoraef said, adding that China’s success story “gives it great credit in transferring its experience to many countries.”
The Saudi official also praised China’s Global Development Initiative, noting that no country can stand alone and achieve development without the help of others at a time when the world is facing many challenges.
For example, the vision pursued by the international community to protect the environment, develop renewable energy sources and achieve carbon neutrality cannot be realized without the joint efforts of all countries, he added.
The initiative is not only focused on the economic sector, but also touches on a number of areas in the social sphere, Alhoraef said, adding that it will also promote the recovery of the global economy, return the world economy to the pre-pandemic level, and achieve people’s well-being. ■
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