Saudi FM: China cooperation ‘likely to grow,' but US security ties robust
Saudi Arabia is a longstanding partner of the United States but it is rapidly building ties with China, its largest trading partner and biggest purchaser of Saudi oil.
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia expects cooperation with its “important partner” China to keep growing, the top Saudi diplomat told Al-Monitor as Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a three-day visit to the oil-rich kingdom.
“I think that partnership has given us and China significant benefits and that cooperation is likely to grow,” Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said, pointing to "a lot of interaction and intersection with China."
"But we still have a robust security partnership with the US," he added. "That security partnership is refreshed on an almost daily basis."
Prince Faisal spoke at a press conference alongside Blinken, who on Thursday concluded a trip to Saudi Arabia aimed at mending ties after years of strain over the supply of oil, human rights and the kingdom’s growing relations with US rivals, including China.
