Xi, Saudi king agree to hold regular head-of-state meetings

RIYADH – Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Thursday signed an agreement on the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, agreeing to hold a meeting between the two heads of state by turns every two years.

Xi also held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, agreeing that China will list Saudi Arabia as a destination for group travel, and expand personnel exchanges as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

Xi earlier attended a welcoming ceremony held by the Saudi crown prince on behalf of the king at the royal palace in the capital Riyadh

Xi earlier attended a welcoming ceremony held by the Saudi crown prince on behalf of the king at the royal palace in the capital Riyadh.

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Xi's car, under the escort of guards riding motorcycles and horses, arrived at the Al Yamamah Palace where the Saudi crown prince warmly greeted the Chinese president.

The leaders of the two countries stepped into a pavilion and the royal palace military band played the national anthems of China and Saudi Arabia.

Accompanied by the crown prince, Xi reviewed the guard of honor, who extended the most solemn welcome to the Chinese president with traditional sword-holding etiquette.

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Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi and He Lifeng, among others, attended the welcoming ceremony.