Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Saudi Arabia on a three-day visit this week as Riyadh bolsters its economic and political ties with Beijing.
The Saudi Press Agency confirmed on Tuesday that King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud has extended an invitation to Xi to visit the kingdom from Dec. 7 to 9. Riyadh is hosting three summits for the visit: a Saudi-Chinese summit, an Arab-Chinese summit, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-Chinese summit.
Xi will discuss Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic modernization plan and China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative with King Salman, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and other Saudi delegates. Saudi Arabia and China will sign preliminary agreements worth more than $29 billion, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
GCC and Arab leaders are expected to attend the regional summits, the report said. Tunisian President Kais Saied will travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to participate in the meetings, local outlets reported, but other Arab and GCC dignitaries did not immediately confirm their attendance.
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.