On August 1, Chinese President Hu Jintao sent a message to the newly-appointed king of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz to express his deep condolences over the unfortunate passing of His Majesty King Fahd.

Hu said in the message that as a great leader of Saudi Arabia King Fahd was deeply loved and respected by the people. King Fahd has made important contributions to the construction of a modern Saudi Arabia, the development of the Saudi national economy, and peace and development in the region and the world, which has been widely praised by the international community.

King Fahd had been committed to Sino-Saudi friendship during his life time. His death is not only a great loss to the Saudi people, but also the loss of an old esteemed friend to the Chinese people. He believed with the leadership of His Majesty Abdullah, the Saudi government and people would be able to achieve new achievements in promoting national construction.