Saudi Arabia will continue to nurture its Asian energy ties, pledged Saudi Oil Minister, Ali Naimi. Speaking in Hong Kong on 18 March, Mr Naimi predicted Riyadh’s already close relationship with the region would grow stronger in the decades ahead, and highlighted Saudi ties with China.

“Since 1997, total oil volumes exported from Saudi Arabia to the region have increased by 50%. Since 1999, Saudi Arabia’s oil exports to China alone have gone from zero to more than one million barrels per day” he said. “In 1998, for example, Saudi Arabia sent ten students to study Chinese in China. Today, more than 1,200 Saudis are studying medical or technical courses in China alone,” Mr Naimi continued. (CONTINUED - 409 WORDS)