RIYADH: The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia hosted a reception to mark the 97th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army at the Palace of Culture in Riyadh on Wednesday.
“We want to use this opportunity to celebrate not only our history, but also the history of military and security cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China,” said Zhu Jie, the armed defense attaché at the Chinese embassy.
In an interview with Arab News, Zhu recalled Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman's visit to Beijing in June, where he met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun.
Zhu called the meeting between the two ministers a 'milestone of a new era'.
He told Arab News: “This is the first time he has visited China to meet with the Chinese Minister of Defense and the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
“The ministers decided to deepen bilateral cooperation in the defense and military fields, strengthen strategic communication between the leaderships and continue to elevate relations to a higher level.”
The defense aide highlighted the importance of the meeting, in which Prince Khalid and his Chinese counterpart reviewed Saudi-Chinese relations and ways to strengthen ties.
Defense officials and ambassadors in the state were welcomed at the People's Liberation Army's anniversary reception.
Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua hosted the event along with Zhu and welcomed the guests at the reception.
Zhu delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the “strategic friendly cooperation” between the state and China's defense ministries.
“China firmly supports Saudi Arabia in strengthening its strategic capabilities to protect its national security and firmly opposes any external interference in the state's internal affairs,” he said.
China aims to support Saudi Arabia's efforts to “facilitate reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran and unity between the Palestinian sides, maintain stability in the region and the world, restore peace and protect citizens,” he added.
Zhu thanked the kingdom for its support, saying: “I once again express my sincere gratitude and respect to the leaders, government, armed forces, security forces and people of Saudi Arabia.”
He also praised the Saudi Ministry of Defence, Interior and National Guard, as well as his embassy colleagues.
