Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Omani Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Xi pointed out that China and Oman have a long history of friendship since the two countries were linked by the Maritime Silk Road in ancient times. Xi said China is willing to consolidate mutual trust, deepen friendship and cooperation, and make new progress in the China-Oman strategic partnership under new conditions.

Xi also expressed wishes that Oman will continue to actively participate in collective cooperation between China and Arab states and congratulated Oman for taking up the rotating chairperson of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

For his part, Fahd said that Oman looks forward to further strengthening Oman-China relations. Noting the great importance of the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-GCC Summit, Fahd said Oman is willing to work with China to promote greater development of relations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as Arab countries.