Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received China's Vice President Han Zheng at the Royal Court in Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations, explored areas of joint co-operation and discussed ways to strengthen ties, the news agency said.
They also addressed recent regional and international developments and discussed both countries’ efforts in these areas, it added.
China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to enhance high-level exchanges and support each other on issues of core interest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry quoted Mr Han as saying.
Mr Han delivered a special address at the Future Investment Initiative.
He said that China was ready to work with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region to forge a deeper energy partnership.
After Riyadh, Mr Han will visit Kuwait and Qatar. The trip highlights Beijing’s more focused engagement in the Gulf, spanning areas from energy supply chains to sovereign investment co-operation.
Riyadh is positioning itself as China's leading economic partner in the Middle East on energy, advanced industries and infrastructure, with relations deepening on several fronts.
This month, Saudi Arabia and China launched joint naval drills, codenamed Blue Sword 2025, in Saudi waters. The drills, which will run for three weeks, aim to enhance operational readiness and the exchange of expertise, the Saudi Ministry of Defence said. It is the third time the drills have taken place.
This year's drills come amid growing energy, business and industrial ties between Beijing and Riyadh.
Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, visited China last month, where he held meetings in Beijing with senior politicians and with leaders of major Chinese industrial companies in Shanghai. Those talks focused on enhancing industrial co-operation and exploring investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.
