Saudis, Chinese to explore strategic ties after unprecedented state visit

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Saudi Arabia and China have agreed to explore the establishment of strategic relations.

The agreement came in a joint statement that ended a five-day visit by Chinese President Jiang Zemin. Jiang left Saudi Arabia after becoming the first Chinese head of state to visit the kingdom since the two countries established relations in 1990.

"The two sides expressed content at the major developments in the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in all fields since they forged diplomatic ties, asserting their willingness to upgrade these ties to the level of strategic cooperation in political and economic fields," the statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency said.

China and Saudi Arabia signed several cooperation agreements, including one on oil, during Jiang's visit. The statement did not elaborate on what the two countries mean by strategic cooperation.

But diplomatic sources said the reference is probably to Beijing's efforts to sell defense systems to Riyad. Nearly a decade ago, China sold intermediate-range missiles to Riyad.

In an unrelated development, Egypt will receive U.S. equipment in support of its F-16 fleet. Pentagon officials said Lockheed Martin Corp., Yonkers, N.Y., has been awarded a $15 million contract to provide 39 Receiver Processors applicable to the AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures system for the F-16 aircraft.