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18:22 GMT
TOKYO, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- China and Saudi Arabia signed 17 cooperative agreements Tuesday after the first meeting of a high-level steering committee for coordinating bilateral cooperation, official media reported.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman co-chaired the meeting in Beijing, according to Xinhua News Agency.
The documents covered politics, energy, finance, investment, housing, water resources, quality inspection, science, technology and culture.
Noting that Saudi Arabia is an important cooperative partner of China in the West Asian and North African region, Zhang said China views bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective.
"China is willing to share experiences with Saudi Arabia on state governance," he said, calling on the two sides to support each other's core interests and major concerns and cement strategic mutual trust.
"China is ready to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's Economic Vision 2030," Zhang added.
Under the framework, Zhang suggested the two sides promote cooperation in industrial capacity, equipment manufacturing, energy, trade, investment, finance, science and technology, culture and security.
For his part, Prince Mohammed said relations between his country and China are of strategic importance, noting that the two sides enjoy great potential for cooperation.
"Saudi Arabia hopes to join in the Belt and Road Initiative and forge a stronger partnership with China in the areas of energy, trade, investment, finance, industrialization and mining," Prince Mohammed said.
He also called on the two sides to strengthen coordination, jointly fight terrorism, and promote international and regional peace and stability.
"Saudi Arabia supports China in holding a successful Group of 20 (G-20)," he said, noting that Saudi defense minister will attend the G-20 Summit in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, scheduled for September 4th. (end)
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