On December 18, 2010, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun visited the headquarters of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and held talks with General Secretary of OIC Ihsanoglu.

Zhai said China attaches great importance to developing friendly ties with the Islamic world and is ready to continuously deepen and develop traditional friendship with the Islamic world based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China appreciates and attaches importance to the OIC’s positive role in pushing the Islamic countries to jointly cope with common challenges. China is ready to work with the organization to enhance the level of mutual trust and push forward bilateral friendly relations and cooperation.

Ihsanoglu said the friendly relations between China and the Islamic world are of strategic significance and their cooperation enjoys wide prospect. The OIC will play its positive role in promoting China’s friendly cooperation with the Islamic world.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Zhai’s current visit is the first visit by a Chinese government delegation to the OIC headquarters.