Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and China's National Energy Administration Director Zhang Jianhua said they will strengthen their ties in the energy sector, Saudi Arabia's state news agency SPA reported.

The officials and stressed the importance of stable long-term supplies to the crude oil markets.

There has been friction between the United States and Saudi Arabia since the OPEC+ oil producers group, of which Saudi Arabia is the de facto leader, decided to cut production even after the Biden administration tried to persuade the U.S. to postpone the decision for a month with an eye on the U.S.

China, the world's largest importer of crude oil, has adhered to strict restrictions this year because of COVID, which has severely affected business and economic activity, reducing demand for oil.

But reports that Beijing is considering shortening the quarantine period for visitors to seven days have supported prices, despite the lack of official confirmation of the measure.

Prince Abdulaziz and his Chinese counterpart agreed to continue joint efforts to maintain stability in oil markets, SPA reported, adding that the Kingdom continues to be China's most reliable partner and crude supplier.