Saudi Arabia and China scrap visas for diplomats in new agreement

Saudi Arabia and China have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement covering holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, easing official travel between the two countries as part of wider efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

The agreement was signed during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Kingdom at the invitation of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The move coincides with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Riyadh and Beijing.

During talks, the two ministers reviewed the comprehensive strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China and praised the progress made across a range of sectors, including economic, trade, investment and energy cooperation. Both sides noted what they described as a growing convergence of views that has delivered mutual benefits over more than three decades of diplomatic engagement.

Saudi-China strengthen diplomatic ties

Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Wang Yi also attended the fifth session of the Political Committee of the Saudi Chinese High Level Joint Committee. Discussions focused on ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation across all fields, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to supporting one another on issues linked to their vital national interests.

According to the Saudi Gazette, the Saudi side reiterated its commitment to the One China policy, affirming that the government of China is the sole legitimate representative of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. In return, the Chinese side expressed support for efforts to develop and strengthen Saudi-Iranian relations and praised the Kingdom’s role in promoting regional and international security and stability.

Chinese officials also commended the economic reforms and development under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme, describing them as a key driver of growth and transformation. Beijing welcomed the outcomes of the Riyadh Arab Chinese Summit for Cooperation and Development held in December 2022 and confirmed its readiness to participate in Expo 2030, which will be hosted by the Kingdom.

The Saudi side expressed its support for China hosting the Second China Arab Summit and the Second Gulf Chinese Summit in 2026, signalling continued momentum in regional and multilateral engagement between China and the Arab world.

The two sides also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of shared concern. Both countries affirmed their support for efforts aimed at achieving security, stability, development and prosperity, as well as their backing for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue. This includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution, relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The visa exemption agreement is expected to facilitate smoother diplomatic engagement and official exchanges, reflecting the deepening political and strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and China as they continue to expand cooperation on regional and global issues.