Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun called for dialogue and de-escalation amid rising tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Riyadh on Thursday.

Zhai urged relevant parties to avoid actions that could further escalate regional tensions and resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

The two sides held in-depth discussions on China-Saudi Arabia relations and the current situation in the Middle East.

Zhai said the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership has developed rapidly in recent years under the strategic guidance of the two countries' top leaders.

Noting that rising tensions in Yemen and the Red Sea have further undermined regional security and development, Zhai stressed that conflicts should not escalate and hostilities should not spread.

Confrontation only deepens divisions, while dialogue remains the right path forward, he said, adding that China would work toward easing tensions and ending conflicts, and promote the early restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Faisal said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to its friendly relations with China and stands ready to use the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Saudi-China comprehensive strategic partnership as an opportunity to advance bilateral ties.

Given the complex and sensitive regional situation, all parties should embrace peace, work toward common goals and jointly build a new regional security architecture, he said.

The Saudi foreign minister also expressed high appreciation for China's impartial position on Middle East issues and its continued efforts to ease regional tensions, adding that Saudi Arabia is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly address regional security challenges.