RIYADH: The Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chen Weiqing met with Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif to discuss ways of further cementing relations between the two countries. Their talks covered issues of common interest and mutual cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The envoy was accompanied by Chinese Embassy staff, and during the meeting Prince Saud noted the keenness of the Kingdom’s leadership to enhance cooperation with China. He said this was proved by the agreements and partnerships signed during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to China in February this year, which confirmed the convergence of the strategic directions of China with the Saudi Vision 2030 reform plan, which would in turn reflect on the economic, cultural and humanitarian communication between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is one of China’s main crude oil suppliers and an important market for its exports. Thanking the prince for his hospitality, the ambassador said he looked forward to helping develop a long-term strategic partnership with the Kingdom for mutual progress and prosperity. During iftar at his residence last month, Weiqing highlighted his country’s Belt and Road Initiative (a global development strategy) as being consistent with Vision 2030 and said: “China and the Kingdom are among the leading forces of dialogue among civilizations.”