President Xi Jinping will attend the inaugural China-Arab States Summit, and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.

In a statement, the ministry's spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said Xi will pay a state visit to Saudi Arabia from December 7 to 10 at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi state media reported the trip will feature bilateral meetings with Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler.

Oil markets are expected to be a top agenda item for talks between China, the world's biggest crude consumer, and Saudi Arabia.

Beyond energy, analysts say leaders from the two countries will likely 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 the Saudi economy away from oil.

Officials from both sides have provided little information about the agenda. (Agencies)
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Last updated: 2022-12-07 HKT 11:03