Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping will make three-day visit to Saudi Arabia this week, meeting King and de facto ruler of world's biggest oil exporter, Saudi state media reported. Xi, head of world's number-two economy will also attend summit with rulers from six-member Gulf Cooperation Council and talks with leaders from elsewhere in Middle East, strengthening China's growing ties with region.

Chinese leader will arrive on Wednesday, official Saudi Press Agency said, for only his third trip abroad since coronavirus endemic began and his first to Saudi Arabia since 2016.

Xi's visit reflects "much deeper relations developed in recent years" between two countries, said Ali Shihabi, Saudi analyst close to government. "As largest importer of Saudi oil, China is critically important partner and military relations have been developing strongly," he said, adding that he expected "Number of agreements to be signed".

Visit also coincides with heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and United States over issues ranging from energy policy to regional security and human rights.

China purchases roughly quarter of Saudi oil exports. Oil market was thrown into turmoil with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. Byond energy, analysts say leaders from two countries are expected to discuss potential deals that could see Chinese firms become more deeply involved in mega-projects that are central to Prince Mohammed's vision of diversifying Saudi economy away from oil. Those projects include futuristic $ 500 billion megacity known as NEOM and so-called cognitive city that will depend heavily on facial recognition and surveillance technology.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 07 2022

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