Comments by Xu Xiujun, associate researcher with the Institute of World Economy and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; comics drawn by Chi Ying

On January 19-20, Chinese President Xi Jinpingpaid a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Xi and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud held in-depth talks to reach a consensus on deepening bilateral relations, as well as discussing international and regional issues of common concern.

Both sides had jointly announced to build a comprehensive strategic partnership, which will push forward the development of bilateral ties at a stronger and broader level.

Saudi Arabia is the only Arab state of the Group of 20 Countries (G20) and a major state in the Arab and Islamic world.

Saudi Arabia has been China's largest trading partner in West Asia and North Africa for many years. It is the world's largest crude oil supplier too.

The unique geographical location makes Saudi Arabia a promising participant, builder and beneficiary of the "Belt and Road" initiative.

Both sides decided to lift bilateral ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership and build a community of China-Saudi energy strategic docking to enhance the "Belt and Road" initiative that would act as the wing of pragmatic cooperation.

Global public opinion shows that Xi's this visit has opened a new era for stronger bilateral ties and a broader prospects for the friendly cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia as well as China and the Arab world.