Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said Saturday China places great importance on its relations with Saudi Arabia and regards the country as a close friend and partner.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud after signing a joint declaration in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 21, 2008.[Xinhua]

Xi made the remarks when meeting with King Abdullah bin Abdul-Azizi Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia Saturday afternoon.

Xi conveyed the greetings and good wishes from Chinese President Hu Jintao to King Abdullah.

Xi said since the heads of state of the two countries exchanged visits in 2006, China and Saudi Arabia have witnessed smooth development of bilateral links in an all-round way.

China attaches great significance to the ties with Saudi Arabia and sees Saudi Arabia as a close friend and partner, Xi said, adding China is willing to join efforts with Saudi Arabia to substantially implement the consensuses reached by the heads of state so as to continuously reinforce and expand the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Azizi Al-Saud (R) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 21, 2008. Xi arrived in Jeddah for an official visit to Saudi Arabia Saturday. [Xinhua]

At the same time, the Chinese vice president said, the two countries should jointly work for maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world at large and promoting development and progress of the human kind.

King Abdullah said Saudi Arabia and China are true friends, noting that relations between the two countries enjoy a solid base.

Saudi Arabia appreciates China's friendly policy and its impartial stance on international affairs, the king said, adding that Saudi Arabia treasures the traditional friendship with China and is ready to maintain high-level contact with China and strengthen exchange and cooperation in all fields.

Xi thanked King Abdullah for his support and assistance to China after a severe earthquake in Wenchuan of southwest China's Sichuan Province, stressing that this move fully reflects the deep friendly feelings the Saudi king and people cherish toward the Chinese people.

China will use the fund donated by Saudi Arabia to build schools and hospitals in the earthquake-hit areas to mark the friendship between China and Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah expressed condolence again to China on the losses caused by the devastating earthquake, saying that Saudi Arabia is ready to offer more support and assistance to China.

Xi briefed the king on the propositions of the Chinese government on building a harmonious society and promoting a harmonious world with lasting peace and universal prosperity.