On the afternoon of April 2, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with a delegation headed by Prince Khalid Sultan, deputy defense minister of Saudi Arabia at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi said despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, both peoples have a long history of friendly exchanges. Xi reviewed the comprehensive, rapid growth of China's ties with Saudi Arabia since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1990, citing frequent high-level visits, fruitful cooperation in trade, the economy and energy, and close coordination in international affairs. Xi said China values its friendship with Saudi Arabia and is ready to work with it to push forward bilateral ties.

On the military front, he noted that China and Saudi Arabia have worked more closely in recent years. The stronger military cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia benefits the bilateral relations and works for world and regional peace and stability, according to Xi. The president called for more joint efforts to expand cooperation areas and upgrade military-to-military relations.

Khalid underlined the solid friendship between the two countries and bilateral efforts to safeguard world and regional peace and stability. The Saudi deputy defense minister said Saudi Arabian leaders place great importance on developing ties with China and would like to deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation.

State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Saudi Arabian Ambassador to China Yahya A. S. Alzaid attended the meeting.