On October 6, 2025, King Saud University hosted the “Imprints of the Times · Echoes of Humanity” Sino–Saudi Literary Salon. The event was co-organized by the Sinopec Middle East Office, China Intercontinental Press, and King Saud University. More than 100 guests attended from the Embassy of China in Saudi Arabia as well as other cultural and educational institutions.
During his opening remarks, Zhao Haiyun, Deputy Director-General of the Import & Export Administration Bureau at the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, said that China and Saudi Arabia “remain bound by mutual learning between civilizations.” He added that he hoped the salon would encourage more translation and promotion of literary works so that “dialogue continues and cultural echoes endure.”
Dr. Osama A. Al-Ghamdi, Assistant to the Vice President for Educational and Academic Affairs at King Saud University (KSU), highlighted cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China in publishing and thanked Sinopec for its role in supporting economic, social, and cultural development in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Mezyad Alterkawi, who leads KSU’s Global Engagement Office, stated that KSU plans to further strengthen Saudi–Chinese relations through ongoing academic and cultural exchanges.
Lian Mingxiang, Chief Representative of the Sinopec Middle East Office, remarked that companies in energy and chemicals should contribute not only resources but also help foster connections between people. He said Sinopec will continue working with universities, publishers, writers, scholars, and cultural organizations from both countries to enrich their societies’ spiritual lives.
The salon included a panel discussion with Mai Jia—Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association—and Mao Dun Literature Prize laureate; Yousef Al-Mohaimeed—winner of a Book Award from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Information; Prof. Lin Fengmin from Peking University; and Prof. Ibrahim Al-Fallay from King Saud University. The speakers discussed creative processes as well as themes such as civilizational exchange and individual destiny before signing books for attendees.
This event is part of an ongoing program by Sinopec to promote cultural exchange in Saudi Arabia following a similar session held at Prince Sultan University in 2024.