On September 30, 2024, the "Cultural Convergence, Civilizational Symphony" Sino-Saudi Literary Salon successfully concluded at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event was co-hosted by Prince Sultan University, Sinopec Middle East Office, China Intercontinental Press, and the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University. It brought together renowned contemporary writers and distinguished scholars from China and Saudi Arabia to trace the historical ties of literary exchanges between the two nations and explore future cultural interactions. More than 100 guests from the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia, King Saud University, Princess Nourah bint Abudulrahman University, and other governmental, cultural, and educational institutions attended the event.

During the opening remarks, Ibrahim Al-Ghemlas, the Saudi Director of the Confucius Institute at Prince Sultan University, expressed that Prince Sultan University has always been committed to promoting and deepening the friendship between China and Saudi Arabia, and he hoped that this event could harness the power of literature to contribute to mutual learning between the two civilizations. Liu Yang, Deputy Chief Representative of the Sinopec Middle East Office, emphasized that Sinopec has adhered to the concept of "Rooted in Saudi, Thriving in Saudi" in recent years, and has been fully committed as a facilitator, implementer, and promoter of the deepening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Saudi Arabia. He believed that this event could further deepen mutual cultural understanding and respect, injecting new vitality into the development of bilateral relations. Guan Hong, Deputy General Manager of China Intercontinental Press, reflected on the long-standing historical ties and profound cultural connections between China and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the important role that literary and cultural exchanges play in the development of bilateral relations, and expressed great expectations for the China-Saudi Cultural Year in 2025.

Following the speeches, Egyptian Sinologist Dr. Yahya moderated a discussion featuring prominent Chinese author and Mao Dun Literature Prize winner Xu Zechen, Saudi Booker Prize-winning novelist Abdo Khal, Professor Xue Qingguo from Beijing Foreign Studies University and recipient of the Lu Xun Literary Translation Award, and Professor Amira Al-Zaharani from Prince Sultan University. The panel engaged in an exciting dialogue on topics such as the unique charm of Sino-Saudi literary works, cultural exchanges and literary mutual learning, the challenges and opportunities of literary creation, and future cooperation and initiatives. The discussion vividly illustrated the profound depth and distinct allure of Sino-Saudi literature, with the participants offering suggestions for future collaboration in the field of literature.

After the dialogue, the four guests interacted warmly with the audience, answering questions on topics such as the background of novel creation and the similarities and differences between Sino-Saudi literature. They also held a book signing session, leaving precious memories for the attendees. Additionally, the event organizers presented a commemorative gift to Prince Sultan University, symbolizing the deep friendship between China and Saudi Arabia, and serving as a testament to the rich literary exchange between the two nations.

The successful hosting of the Sino-Saudi Literary Salon has established a new platform for literary exchanges between the two countries, contributing significantly to the deepening of Sino-Saudi friendship and the prosperity of cultural development between China and Saudi Arabia.