Xi Jinping in Saudi Arabia.

During his three day visit to Saudi Arabia, Xi attended summits of the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council and a broader China-Arab leaders' meeting.

It came a day after bilateral talks with Saudi royals and yielded a joint statement harping on "the importance of stability" in oil markets - a point of friction with the United States. Washington has urged the Saudis to raise production.

"China will continue to firmly support the GCC countries in maintaining their own security and build a collective security framework for the Gulf".

China will import large quantities of crude oil from GCC countries on an ongoing basis. It also promises to expand other areas of energy co-operation including liquefied natural gas imports. Oil from Saudi Arabia alone accounted for 17% of China's imports last year and last month Qatar announced a 27-year natural gas deal with China.

Both sides are seeking economic and strategic benefits by deepening co-operation.

My take

India has established a good partnership with the GCC countries. We need to increase our footprint in the African continent.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 6, the chores and was ready by a quarter past 10.

The maid came towards lunchtime. I was furious when she told us that she'd tried to commit suicide by consuming an overdose of sleeping pills but was saved as she was taken to the hospital on time. I told her that I'd spank her if she repeated such stupidities.

It was raining all through the evening.