From December 10 to 14, 2023, Zhao Bing, Vice Chairman of the Counsellors’ Office of the State Council (COSC), headed a delegation to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Saudi Center for Research and Intercommunication Knowledge (CRIK). Joining the delegation were Shi Yong and He Defang, Counsellors of the State Council.

During the visit, the delegation met with Mohammed A. Benmahfoudh, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi side elaborated on its vision and initiatives to advance Saudi Vision 2030. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening practical cooperation, leveraging complementary strengths for mutual benefits and win-win outcomes under the framework of the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership. The delegation also met with Yahya Mahmoud Bin Junaid, Chairman of CRIK, and exchanged views on deepening bilateral people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

 The delegation conducted field visits to a photovoltaic power station invested and built by Energy China and a seawater desalination project undertaken by PowerChina. They also visited the Middle East Regional Management Center of China Harbour Engineering Company, held exchanges with some Chinese-funded enterprises, and heard briefings on their business operations and development achievements in Saudi Arabia. 

During the visit, Chen Weiqing, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Permanent Representative to the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation, and Wang Qimin, Chinese Consul General in Jeddah, met with the delegation.