China's top diplomat Wang Yi held talks with Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and National Security Advisor, in Beijing on Monday.

Al-Aiban handed over a letter from Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the development of bilateral relations and issues of common interest.  

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said Saudi Arabia has always been an important comprehensive strategic partner of China, adding that China places relations with Saudi Arabia among its diplomatic priorities in the Middle East.

Under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, China-Saudi Arabia relations have maintained steady momentum, with both sides strengthening political mutual trust, maintaining strategic communication and advancing practical cooperation, Wang said.

China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to further advance bilateral relations, he added.

On the regional situation, Wang said the Middle East is once again at a critical crossroads between war and peace. Although the path to peace is difficult, he said, progress could be made through persistent efforts.

He called on all parties to resolve disputes and end hostilities through dialogue and negotiations, while safeguarding regional energy and shipping security.

Wang also said countries in the region should enhance mutual understanding, rebuild trust, improve relations and pursue peaceful coexistence, adding that a new regional security framework should be developed through consultation in a way that serves the long-term interests of regional countries and their people.

China is ready to play a constructive role in helping the region overcome its current difficulties and achieve lasting stability, Wang said.