On January 13, 2010, Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Riyadh. Both sides exchanged views on further enhancing China-Saudi Arabia strategic friendly relations as well as on international and regional issues of common concern.

Yang spoke highly of the comprehensive, fast and in-depth development of bilateral ties since China and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties 20 years ago. Bilateral ties have featured the continuously deepened mutual trust, enhanced cooperation in various fields and increasingly close coordination in international and regional issues. He stressed that Chinese President Hu Jintao and King Abdullah have jointly upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic and friendly relationship, which pointed out the direction for future development of Sino-Saudi Arabian ties. Dubbing Saudi Arabia a reliable friend and sincere partner of cooperation, Yang pledged that China will take the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to comprehensively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state on developing bilateral ties and promote in-depth development of Sino-Saudi Arabian strategic and friendly relationship.

King Abdullah said that his country attached great importance to Saudi Arabian-Sino relations, and regarded China as its close friend. He said that the bilateral relations between the two countries have been developing smoothly, with improved political mutual trust, economic and trade collaboration and cultural exchanges. Saudi Arabia highly appreciated China's fair positions on international affairs, and its involvement in the noble cause of the world's peace and development. He said that Saudi Arabia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and promote the strategic and friendly ties with China.

Saudi Arabia is the last leg of Yang’s current trip to seven African and Asian countries, which has taken him to Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Algeria, Morocco and Maldives.