Has the Saudi Arabia-China Partnership Entered a More Mature Phase?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saudi-China partnership is evolving into a more mature phase.
- Cultural exchanges are crucial for mutual understanding.
- Clean energy cooperation marks a strategic shift in bilateral relations.
- The year 2025 will celebrate significant milestones in their partnership.
- Joint initiatives are fostering connections among younger generations.
Riyadh, Oct 8 (NationPress) The partnership between Saudi Arabia and China has transitioned into a more mature phase, bringing renewed energy to the modernization initiatives of both nations, as highlighted by Saudi experts during a recent academic seminar in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The seminar, titled "Saudi-China Dialogue and Exchange on Modernisation," was co-hosted on Sunday by the Centre for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK) in Saudi Arabia and China Intercontinental Press, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Under the theme "Building the Path to Modernisation Together: Explorations and Practices from Saudi Arabia and China," participants from both nations engaged in thorough discussions on subjects such as cultural exchange, interpersonal communication, and the advancement of green energy.
Saleh Al-Saqri, a former Saudi Cultural Attache in China, remarked that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, Saudi Arabia and China have experienced notable growth in both quality and quantity of their relationship.
He emphasized that enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership with China not only aids Saudi Arabia in achieving diplomatic equilibrium but also embodies a collective vision to foster peace and elevate dialogues among civilizations.
The year 2025 is significant as it marks both the China-Saudi Cultural Year and the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. In this context, Haitham Alsayed, director of the Chinese Studies Unit at CRIK, noted that cultural and interpersonal exchanges are vital pillars for nurturing friendship and fostering mutual understanding.
He pointed out that collaborative efforts in organizing joint cultural exhibitions, academic exchanges, and translation projects have produced fruitful outcomes. "These initiatives not only facilitate knowledge transfer but also reinforce connections between the younger generations of both countries," he stated.
In recent years, the partnership between China and Saudi Arabia in clean energy has made significant strides. Abdulrahman Marshod, a researcher at CRIK, mentioned that this collaboration signifies a profound strategic transformation in bilateral relations, shifting from a traditional oil-dependent model to one focused on diversification, innovation, and sustainability.
The energy relationship between Saudi Arabia and China has matured into a strategic alliance centered on clean energy, characterized by complementarity, joint investment, and a forward-looking approach.