Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, arrived in China on Thursday morning as he continues his tour of Asian nations.
Prince Mohammed's arrival comes on the back of state visits to Pakistan and India.
On landing in Beijing, he was received by the Chinese deputy chairman of the advisory and political council, Khi Li Fung, the Saudi ambassador to China, Turki Al Madi, and the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Li Hua Xin, plus a number of other officials.
His visit will include a meeting with President Xi Jinping and a high-level joint dialogue aimed at boosting relations after the nations agreed to promote a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. He is expected to visit South Korea as well.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Prince Mohammed's visit will add to a "positive momentum" in Chinese-Saudi co-operation.
Mr Geng said the trip could provide fruitful outcomes in various areas such as infrastructure and space satellites.
"We hope that through this visit we will enhance our relations enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation ... and inject momentum into our bilateral relations," Mr Geng said.
Prince Mohammed was in Delhi on Wednesday. Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Saudi leader said Riyadh is looking to tap into over $100 billion in investments in India.
He also offered cooperation in intelligence sharing to thwart the scourge of terrorism that the world’s largest democracy is facing.
"Today, we expect the opportunities we are targeting in India in various fields to exceed $100 billion [Dh3.67bn] in the coming two years… we want to work with you, Mr Prime Minister, to ensure these investments are made and to ensure useful returns for both countries,” Prince Mohammed said.
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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman poses for a photo with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before a meeting at the presidential house in New Delhi. EPA -
The leaders hold a meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Reuters -
Prince Mohammed and Mr Modi walk in the grounds of Hyderabad House. Reuters -
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman waves next to India's President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi. Reuters -
Prince Mohammed inspects a honour guard. Reuters -
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is greeted by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as President Ram Nath Kovind watches during his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India, February 20, 2019. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi -
Prince Mohammed shakes hands with India's President Ram Nath Kovind. Reuters -
The Saudi Crown Prince arrives for the ceremonial reception. EPA -
India's president and prime minister gesture during the ceremonial reception in New Delhi. Reuters -
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman looks on as he arrives at the airport in New Delhi. AFP -
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he arrives at the airport in New Delhi. AFP -
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hugs India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at an airport in New Delhi. Reuters -
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman stands next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arriving at the airport in New Delhi. AFP -
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman stands next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arriving at the airport in New Delhi. AFP -
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (centre right) walks next to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon arriving at the airport in New Delhi. AFP -
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leaves the airport after his arrival in New Delhi, India, on February 19, 2019. Reuters
The visit comes as China faces growing international criticism over its treatment of its Muslim minority groups.
