Kuwait keen to develop strategic relations with China across all fields
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 13: On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to enhancing its strategic relations with China across all sectors. The goal is to fulfill the aspirations of both countries' leaderships and peoples while contributing to regional and global security, stability, prosperity, and development.
Sheikh Jarrah's remarks were made during a speech at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the historic visit of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to China in 1965.
In his speech, Sheikh Jarrah noted that the late Amir's visit, while serving as Minister of Finance, Trade, and Industry at the time, was a pivotal moment for Kuwaiti-Chinese relations. He likened the visit to the famous Chinese proverb: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This visit marked the "first step" in establishing diplomatic ties between the two nations, which were officially formed in 1971 with the exchange of embassies. Sheikh Jarrah pointed out that Kuwait became the first Gulf Arab state to establish such ties, effectively becoming China's gateway to the Gulf region.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that this visit laid the foundation for what has since become a long-lasting and evolving partnership between the two nations. The relationship has grown over the decades, thanks to the persistent efforts of both Kuwaiti and Chinese officials, despite the geographical distance. Sheikh Jarrah underscored that this relationship has transcended formal diplomacy, becoming a true friendship built on shared values such as mutual respect, fruitful cooperation, and a common drive for development and prosperity. These values align with the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international law, setting an example for how countries can engage constructively.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also recalled the successful visits by His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Beijing in 2018, and more recently, the historic visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to China in September 2023. These visits marked a major milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, opening a new chapter in the story of Kuwaiti-Chinese cooperation, and showcasing a "promising and bright future" for both nations.
Sheikh Jarrah affirmed that the relationship between Kuwait and China has seen significant development across various sectors over the years, and he stressed the responsibility of both nations to build upon the strong foundations established by their leaders over the decades.
Ambassador Zhang Jianwei of the People's Republic of China echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the 1965 visit of the late Amir was the first by a high-ranking Kuwaiti official to China. He called it the cornerstone for establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ambassador Jianwei emphasized that over the past six decades, the two countries have continually supported each other, nurturing a friendship based on mutual trust and partnership for common development.
He also acknowledged the growing strategic relationship, noting that China has become Kuwait's largest trading partner for 10 consecutive years. This is a result of successful practical cooperation, including Kuwait's opening of its second foreign investment office in Shanghai and China becoming the second largest source of foreign direct investment in Kuwait. Additionally, he pointed out the completion of major projects undertaken by Chinese companies, such as the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Kuwait and the university city, which have further strengthened the ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Zhang concluded by expressing confidence that, through ongoing mutual visits and long-term cooperation, Kuwait and China will continue to elevate their relationship to even greater heights.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
16 hours ago
- Arab Times
Lawsuits in Kuwait get a fee-lift
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah presided over the weekly meeting of the Cabinet, during which a decree-law amending certain provisions of Judicial Fees Law No. 17/1973 was approved. This amendment is the first in more than five decades. It aims to limit the growing number of vexatious cases, ensure the seriousness of the right to litigation, and promote alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and conciliation. The amendment includes the increase of fees and rates imposed on lawsuits with a specified or unspecified claim value. It stipulates a five percent rate if the claim value is up to KD30,000; 3.5 percent if the claim value exceeds KD30,000 up to KD150,000; 2.5 percent if the value ranges between KD150,000 and KD500,000; 1.5 percent if the claim value ranges between KD500,000 and KD5million; and one percent if the claim value exceeds KD5 million. It raised the fees for orders on petitions and requests from KD5 to KD10; KD50 for urgent lawsuits and enforcement issues — up from KD3; court lawsuit fees increased to KD100, including the request to appoint an expert; KD150 for enforcement issues — up from KD30; KD100 for requests to dismiss a judge, expert and arbitrator; KD500 for a request to refer a property to a sales judge; the fee for warnings for each party increased from 500 fils to KD5; cost of stamp duty increased from 500 fils to KD1; and requests to expedite lawsuits, suspension and cancellation are subject to a fee of KD5. Article One of the Decree-Law stipulates the replacement of a number of articles of the Judicial Fees Law with new texts. Article Two states that if the lawsuit includes multiple claims of known value — whether original or reserve, and arising from a single legal cause; the assessment shall be based on their total value. However, if they arise from different legal causes, the assessment shall be based on the value of each one separately. Article Five states that if it is impossible to estimate a claim, it shall be deemed unvalued. The following claims, in particular, shall be deemed unvalued: claims for the authenticity of a signature, claims and objections submitted to the judge of urgent matters, original forgery claims, requests for enforcement of arbitrators' rulings and appeals against such orders, requests for orders to implement foreign court rulings, requests to dismiss judges, experts and arbitrators, requests and orders on petitions submitted to the Execution Department and appeals against them, claims for easements, claims for interpretation and correction of rulings, claims for review of endowments, claims for entitlement to residency in endowment sites or their eviction, and claims for eviction of rented premises. It also stipulates that if a claim includes multiple original claims or original and reserve claims — all of which are unvalued — a fee shall be imposed on each of them separately. If these claims are related, a single fee shall be imposed on them. Under the decree, a fixed fee is imposed on the following lawsuits: personal status lawsuits of all types, partition lawsuits between partners, appeals against orders on petitions, and the list of fees and expenses. Fees are also collected for each lawsuit that has been in effect for one year from the date of its cancellation and has not been renewed from the date of cancellation, or from the date of the expiration of the penal or consensual stay and has not been resumed. A fee of KD5 is imposed for a request to renew a lawsuit from cancellation, shorten its hearing date, or expedite it from the penal or consensual stay. The applicant is obligated to pay this fee regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit. A new fee of 10 percent of the value of the fee due is collected for the lawsuit when it is re-filed within three months from the date of the judgment, as if it never existed, or by abandoning it; provided that the subject of the lawsuit or its litigants do not change. The exemption request shall be submitted to the Clerks Department of the Court of First Instance, accompanied by the supporting documents or a copy thereof. The Clerks Department shall notify the Judicial Fees Department of the request and its documents, so that it may submit its report. A committee of three judges shall be formed to decide on the request in the absence of the parties and without pleading unless the committee deems it necessary to attend. The committee shall have a secretary who will attend its sessions and record its minutes. The committee's decision shall be issued by a majority vote of its members, including the reasons for the decision and the basis upon which the exemption was based. The exemption from fees shall be personal and shall not extend to the heirs of the exempted person or their replacement. The committee referred to in the previous article may, during the course of the case or after judgment therein, based on a request from the Judicial Fees Department or the opposing party in the case, annul the exemption decision if it is proven that the justified incapacity has ceased. The Court Clerks Department shall notify the circuit hearing the case of the annulment decision. If the fee-exempt opponent is required to pay the fees, he must first be requested to pay them. If it is impossible to collect the fees from him, it is permissible to recover them from the concerned party if the state of his inability is no longer in accordance with the previous article. A fee of KD5 is imposed on warnings and notifications — other than notification of the statement of claim, judgment and other notifications related to the progress of a dispute before the court — for each person notified. A fee of 500 fils is collected for each page of the copy of the judgment requested from non-litigants. The same fee is imposed for each page requested by the litigants after they obtained the first copy. A fee of KD1 is imposed on certificates and copies of the lawsuit papers requested by the litigants or others regarding the progress of the lawsuit or the judgment therein. It also stipulates that the courts shall adjudicate in lawsuits and requests for which the fee is paid in advance, or for which a temporary exemption is established. No lawsuit or request may be initiated before this fee is paid. If it is found that it has not been paid, the court shall grant the plaintiff an appropriate period for payment. If he does not pay within that period without an acceptable excuse, the lawsuit is deemed null and void. The provisions of Article 123 of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law shall apply to orders to assess fees and the appeals against them. Without prejudice to the rules of exemption from court fees, the plaintiff is obligated to pay the fee until a final judgment is issued against the other party. The explanatory memorandum states that Law No. 17/1973 regarding judicial fees was issued more than 50 years ago; and it has not been amended despite the economic and social changes in recent years, including the rise in inflation rate and the level of per capita income, which led to an increase in the prices of goods and services. It added that the increasing level of public culture and trust in the judiciary have encouraged citizens to resort to the courts as a safe haven for resolving their disputes. This has led to a steady increase in the number of cases brought before them; hence, litigants have to endure the pain of waiting for resolution.
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Ambassadors convey Eid Al-Adha greetings
Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of European Union to Kuwait On behalf of the European Union delegation to the State of Kuwait, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the people of Kuwait, and Muslims around the world including EU countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. I would also like to convey my warm congratulations to those who are travelling for the hajj pilgrimage this year. I join my Kuwaiti friends in celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait for the third year. Every Eid, I have the privilege of deepening my understanding of this important celebration and the meaningful customs that accompany it - traditions that beautifully embody the shared human values of kindness and generosity. Eid Al-Adha Mubarak! Olivier Gauvin, Ambassador of France to Kuwait On the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, I would like to extend, on behalf of the entire French Embassy, my sincere wishes to all those celebrating, in Kuwait, in France, and around the world. This is my first Eid Al-Adha in Kuwait. I am glad to experience it here, among Kuwaitis who, during these celebrations, demonstrate a deep sense of sharing, hospitality, and generosity, expressed through their beautiful traditions. This moment of togetherness and solidarity is also an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite us and to strengthen the bonds between our societies. I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday, in good health. Eid Adha Mubarak. Eduardo Patricio Peña Haller Eduardo Patricio Peña Haller, Ambassador of Mexico to Kuwait On behalf of the Government and the people of Mexico, I have the honor to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah, the Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, the government and the friendly people of Kuwait on the blessed occasion of Eid Al-Adha coupled with our best wishes for continued well-being and success. We wish the friendly people of Kuwait further prosperity, progress and stability. This sacred celebration is a time of reflection, generosity, and unity. It is a moment to honor shared values of compassion, solidarity and peace. May this Eid bring joy to all Kuwaiti families and strengthen the bonds of friendship and understanding among our nations. Mexico and Kuwait enjoy a relationship founded on mutual respect, cooperation and shared interests. Over the years, our two countries have strengthened ties through diplomatic dialogue, economic collaboration and cultural exchange. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and exploring new avenues to further deepen our partnership. Eid Mubarak! Wa Kullu Aam Wa Antum Bekhair
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
‘We will never forget Tiananmen Square crackdown'
HONG KONG: Security was tight and activists faced pressure from police in Hong Kong on the 36th anniversary of China's bloody 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square, an event Taiwan's president and the top US diplomat said the world must not forget. The events on and around the central Beijing square on June 4, 1989, when Chinese troops opened fire to end student-led pro-democracy protests, are not publicly discussed in China and the anniversary is not officially marked. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into the thousands. Beijing treats June 4 as taboo and allows no public remembrance. Public commemorations take place in over 30 overseas cities including Taipei, where senior Taiwan government leaders often use the anniversary to criticize China and urge it to face up to what it did. In Hong Kong, where tens of thousands used to gather to mark the anniversary before China's imposition of a national security law in 2020, hundreds of police officers stood guard around Victoria Park, the site of previous mass candlelight vigils, searching passers-by and taking away at least one activist. Several pro-democracy activists told Reuters they had been called by national security police several times over the past week, and followed by individuals in public in what they described as intimidation by authorities. Hong Kong's leader John Lee said stringent enforcement action would be taken against acts endangering national security without specifying what these might be. Hong Kong police gave no response to questions from Reuters on whether activists had been targeted. 'I don't think commentating on June 4th is illegal,' said Derek Chu, the owner of a pro-democracy shop that displayed candles and was visited by police. 'I don't think speaking up for the deceased, the survivors and the families is illegal.' One jailed pro-democracy activist, Chow Hang-tung, is staging a 36-hour hunger strike in prison to mark the anniversary, while another recently released former democratic lawmaker, Claudia Mo, posted a picture of a candle online. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, in a post on Facebook praised the courage of those who took part in the protests, saying human rights are a concept shared by Taiwan and other democracies that transcend generations and borders. 'The commemoration of the June 4 Tiananmen incident is not only to mourn history, but also to perpetuate this memory,' said Lai, who Beijing detests as a 'separatist' and has rejected his repeated offers of talks. 'Authoritarian governments often choose to silence and forget history, while democratic societies choose to preserve the truth and refuse to forget those who gave their lives - and their dreams - to the idea of human rights,' he added. 'Not only do we refuse to forget history, we will implement our core values every day.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday praised the courage of the Chinese people who were killed in the bloody crackdown. 'Today we commemorate the bravery of the Chinese people who were killed as they tried to exercise their fundamental freedoms, as well as those who continue to suffer persecution as they seek accountability and justice for the events of June 4, 1989,' Rubio said in a statement. 'The CCP actively tries to censor the facts, but the world will never forget,' he said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. Speaking at a daily briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Rubio's 'wrong comments maliciously distort the facts of history', seriously interferes in China's internal affairs, and that China had lodged a complaint with the United States. 'With regard to the political turmoil that took place in the late 1980s, the Chinese government has long since come to the clear conclusion that the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the choice of history and the people,' he said. Australia marked the anniversary saying that Canberra remains committed to protecting and supporting human rights including freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of political participation. 'On this day, we join communities around the world to remember the loss of life at Tiananmen Square on 4 June 1989,' Australia's Consul-General to Hong Kong and Macau, Gareth Williams, said in a post on X. Security tight in Hong Kong Before dawn on June 4, 1989, Chinese tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, crushing weeks of pro-democracy demonstrations by students and workers. China has never provided a full death toll, but rights groups and witnesses say the figure could run into thousands. China blamed the protests on counter-revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the ruling Communist Party. Security around the square was tightened on Tuesday with increased police presence. Police officers set up multiple checkpoints for identification checks on motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians, and also prevented people from taking photographs near the square. There was no discussion about the historic event on Chinese social media, which are heavily censored by authorities. The Tiananmen Mothers, which represents relatives of those killed, put out this week their annual statement calling for a public accounting of what happened. 'The executioners of that year have passed away one after another, but as the continuation of the ruling party, the current government has a responsibility to respond to and address the Tiananmen Massacre,' Zhang Xianling, whose son Wang Nan was killed, said in a video message.- Reuters
