China’s new foreign minister, Qin Gang, wants to build stronger ties with Saudi Arabia and establish a China-Gulf free trade zone “as soon as possible,” according to a ministry statement published late Monday.
Qin, who was just recently nominated to the post, made the suggestion in a telephonic conversation with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, adding that China should focus on issues related to China’s core interests. Highly appreciates Saudi Arabia’s continued steadfast support.
He said the two sides should further expand cooperation on economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, investment, finance and high technology.