RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman has said that Riyadh wants to cooperate, not compete with Beijing, adding he “ignored” criticism over their growing relations with China, Arab media reported on Sunday.
Saudi wants cooperation with China: Minister
Asked regarding criticism of the bilateral ties during an Arab-China business conference, the Energy Minister said: “I ignore it because as a businessman, you will go where opportunity comes your way.” The minister expressed these remarks while addressing the 10th edition of the Arab-China Businessmen Conference in Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh on Sunday. The Minister said Riyadh and Beijing would announce soon major joint investments, in light of the growing ties between the two nations. He added, “We believe that there are many opportunities worldwide.” He said: “Our geographical location permits us to make access to many parties.”
He added that Saudi Arabia and China have a great deal of bilateral cooperation. He said that he would not be amazed “if you will hear more announcements soon on Riyadh-Beijing investment”.
“The growth in oil demand in China is still growing, and Saudi Arabia wants a part of this demand,” he added while highlighting that Riyadh seeks collaboration instead of race with Beijing.
The Minister said, “We do not have to be facing any option which has to do with (saying) either with us or with the others. Oil demand in China is still increasing, so of course we have to capture some of that demand. Instead of contending with China, cooperate with China.”
من حديث سمو #وزير_الطاقة في جلسة حوارية، اليوم، في #مؤتمر_الأعمال_العربي_الصيني. pic.twitter.com/YBXjF0jExe
— وزارة الطاقة (@MoEnergy_Saudi) June 11, 2023
Chinese industrialists and investors have gathered in Riyadh for the conference, which came days after a tour by Antony Blinken.
