On the afternoon of September 12, 2025, His Excellency Abdulrahman al-Harbi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to China, visited Peking University’s Science Building at the invitation of the School of Foreign Languages (SFL) to deliver a keynote speech titled “Diplomacy as a Catalyst for Cultural Integration: The China-Saudi Cultural Year and the 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations”. Nearly 200 students and faculty members attended the event, which was jointly organized by the Department of Arabic Language and Cultures and the King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in Peking University. Professor Fu Zhiming, Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, chaired the lecture.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador al-Harbi expressed his honor at engaging with young students, emphasizing that youth represent the future of nations and play a vital role in forging bonds of China-Saudi friendship. He traced the trajectory of bilateral relations, noting that while 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges between the two countries date back to the ancient Silk Road. “Cultural interactions have always been a cornerstone preceding political and economic cooperation—a beautiful chapter of mutual appreciation and learning between two ancient civilizations.” he stated.
On Sino-Saudi collaboration, the Ambassador underscored progress in Chinese language education, student exchanges, and aviation connectivity, reflecting the continuous deepening of people-to-people and infrastructural linkages. Chinese is now a compulsory second foreign language in over 70 Saudi schools, with the number of Saudi students studying in China surging to over 1,000. They pursue diverse majors at various universities in China. He also lauded the role of King Abdulaziz Public Library Branch in Peking University in promoting mutual learning and cultural exchange between the two countries. The Ambassador also underlined Saudi Arabia’s abundant cultural and tourism resources and its beautiful natural landscapes, capable of meeting the aesthetic tastes of different visitors. He further introduced the recent exhibition “The Wonders of the Arabian Peninsula” held in China, which has provided the Chinese people with an important insight into Arab civilization.
Regarding the alignment of Saudi Vision 2030 with the Belt and Road Initiative, Ambassador al-Harbi recalled The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, which left a deep impression on China and the world, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s visibility in China. He announced Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the Expo 2030 in Riyadh and looks forward to active participation from Chinese enterprises. He then reaffirmed Saudi’s commitment to broadening cooperation with China in education, science and technology, and tourism.
Delivered in fluent English, the Ambassador’s engaging and candid speech garnered applause from the audience.
After the speech, he posed for photos with student and faculty representatives.
This event not only broadened participants’ global perspectives but also advanced people-to-people ties between China and Saudi Arabia. As a catalyst for further collaboration, it is expected to foster educational exchanges between Peking University and institutions in Saudi Arabia.
By Xu Shenqinyi
Photo by Ma Wenqiao Liu Jiayi
Translated by Chen Xirong