Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained.

Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, The Caspian Post reports, citing Xinhua.

Xi noted that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and has consistently adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

He said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia.

Xi added that China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to take this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and enhance exchanges at all levels. He said this would continuously expand the breadth and depth of bilateral relations and set an example for advancing relations between China and Arab countries.

Regarding the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi stressed that China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and an end to hostilities. He said China supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace and remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.

Xi also stated that normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community. He added that China supports regional countries in building a shared home characterized by good-neighborliness, development, security, and cooperation, enabling them to manage their own future and destiny and promote long-term peace and stability in the region.

For his part, Mohammed bin Salman said that Saudi-China relations are strategic and that developing ties with China is vital for Saudi Arabia. He noted that the current conflict in the Middle East undermines the security of Gulf countries and significantly affects global energy supply and economic stability.

He said Saudi Arabia remains committed to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue and hopes to prevent further escalation of the situation. He added that China, as a responsible major country, has consistently upheld fairness and justice and supported good-neighborliness, dialogue, and cooperation in the Middle East.

Mohammed bin Salman also said Saudi Arabia is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China to preserve the current ceasefire, prevent the conflict from resuming, ensure safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and jointly work toward long-term peace and stability in the region.