Photo: Online.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. There he was given a red carpet reception by Riyadh. Not only that, after the aircraft carrying Xi Jinping entered the airspace of Saudi Arabia, it was escorted by four fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force.
It was then landed by six aerobatic jets trailing green smoke, according to China's state broadcaster CCTV.
China hailed the visit as the beginning of a new era between Beijing and Riyadh.
The Chinese president's visit comes at a time when relations between the US and Saudi Arabia are becoming increasingly sour. Relations between Riyadh and Washington have been especially strained since Saudi-led OPEC Plus decided last month to cut oil production despite US requests.
During this visit, the Chinese leader will attend a meeting with the top leaders of six Arab countries belonging to the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council or GCC. President Xi Jinping will end his visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Saudi Arabia's state media said the Chinese delegation will sign several deals worth at least $3 trillion with Riyadh during President Xi Jinping's visit.
Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman gave a red carpet reception to the Chinese President during this visit, but such a grand arrangement was not held during the visit of US President Joe Biden a few days ago.
Sources: CNN, Al Jazeera, Arab News
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