China is willing to expand cooperation in energy resources with Saudi Arabia, said Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai in Beijing Friday.

During his meeting with visiting Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-nuaimi, Bo suggested the two countries carry out major projects for a faster development of bilateral economic relations.

Ali Bin Ibrahim Al-nuaimi said the two nations have enjoyed sound cooperation in the energy field and Saudi Arabia is willing to work with China for further development.

Statistics from the Chinese General Administration of Customs show that Saudi Arabia has become China's largest trade partner in the Middle East area.

The bilateral trade volume reached US$7.34 billion in 2003, up 43.8 percent. Among the two-way trade volume, China's export was US$2.15 billion and import was US$5.2 billion.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2004)