RIYADH: The Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia hosted a reception on Wednesday at Riyadh's Palace of Culture to mark the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army.
“We would like 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 Je, the armed defense attaché at the Chinese embassy.
In an interview with Arab News, Zhu recalled Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman's June visit to Beijing, where he met with his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun.
Zhu described the meeting between the two ministers as “a milestone in the new era.”
He told Arab News: “This is the first time that he visited China to meet the Chinese Minister of Defense and also the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.
“The ministers decided to continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense and military fields, strengthen strategic communication between the leaders and to raise the relationship to a higher level.”
The defense attache highlighted the importance of the meeting, where Prince Khalid and his Chinese counterpart reviewed Saudi-Chinese relations and ways to strengthen ties.
The People's Liberation Army Jubilee Reception welcomed defense officials and ambassadors based in the Kingdom.
Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua co-hosted the event with Zhu and welcomed guests to the reception.
Zhu delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the “strategic friendly cooperation” between the Kingdom and China's defense ministries.
“China firmly supports Saudi Arabia in strengthening its strategic capabilities to protect its national security, and resolutely opposes any external interference in the kingdom's internal affairs,” he said.
China aims to “facilitate the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as the unity of Palestinian parties, to support Saudi Arabia's efforts to maintain stability, restore peace and protect civilians in the region and the world,” he added.
Thanking the kingdom for its support, Zhu said: “I once again express our sincere gratitude and respect to the leaders, government, armed forces, security forces and people of Saudi Arabia.”
He also praised the Saudi Defense, Interior and National Guards, as well as his embassy colleagues.
