Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Shanghai

Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Saudi pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 on Thursday. He was received by HRH Prince Mansour Bin Mutaib Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Municipalities and Rural Affairs. The President was given the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; his Crown Prince and the Second Deputy, expressing the appreciation of Saudi Arabia to both the government and people of China for their welcome, generous support and hospitality toward the Saudi delegation participating in this event.

The President visited different sections of the pavilion, where Prince Mansour Bin Mutaib told him and his accompanying delegation how much he appreciated their visit. He explained how the pavilion was built to reflect the strength of the friendly relations between the two countries, and the pride the Kingdom takes in this relationship.

After Mr. Hu Jintao strolled through the pavilion, he expressed his admiration for the unique heritage and culture of the Kingdom on display for visitors. He also expressed his confidence that the Kingdom's pavilion will reach its set goals and be one of the most prominent exhibitions at the Expo 2010.

During a press conference held after the visit, HRH Prince Mansour bin Mutaib said: “When Better cities for a better life was selected as the theme for the Shanghai World Expo 2010 we, at the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs, were directed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, to contribute to this endeavor through the Saudi pavilion.

We are proud of the confidence King Abdullah has given us, imparting his hope of providing an image that truly reflects the development of cultural diversity, urban life, and civilization in the Kingdom, to the millions of  visitors who will pass through the exhibits. I would like to express my appreciation to the supporting companies that have given much toward the success of our participation this year. I extend my thanks to: Saudi Aramco; Saudi Telecom Company(STC); Saudi Bin Laden Group Co; Sabic ; Chinese company QQ and The Savola Dallah AlBaraka Group.”

His Highness Prince Mansour confirmed that the goal of the Saudi pavilion is to highlight cultural diversity, multiculturalism, and urban development in Saudi Arabia, in addition to focusing on the renaissance taking place in the Kingdom in many fields including industry: education and healthcare.

The twentieth anniversary of the start of Saudi-Chinese relations, Prince Mansour bin Muti’ib confirmed the keen interest of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; His Royal Highness the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness the Second Deputy, that this strategic relationship continue to develop, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continuing to play a valuable role in the success of future relations, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

In turn, President Hu Jintao greeted to His Royal Highness Prince Mansour Bin Mutaib and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, wishing good health and continued progress and prosperity for the Saudi people.

The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Mansour bin Mutaib, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mansour bin Mutaib; His Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs for City Planning; the Commissioner-General of the Saudi Pavilion, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Sheikh, senior officials in the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural affairs, and supervisors of pavilion.