Latest news with #Kuwaiti-Chinese
Arab Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait and China Deepen Strategic Ties in Beijing Political Consultations
BEIJING, April 25: The foreign ministries of Kuwait and China concluded the fifth round of their political consultations today in Beijing. The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Ambassador Chen Weiqing, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Department of West Asia and North Africa at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Hayat described the talks as highly constructive, noting that both sides demonstrated closely aligned perspectives on a wide range of regional and international issues. He highlighted the open, candid, and in-depth nature of the discussions, which focused on mutual interests. He expressed satisfaction on behalf of both delegations with the continued growth and strength of the historical and distinguished relations between Kuwait and China. He further noted that the consultations focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in political, economic, and development sectors, in line with the ongoing evolution of Kuwaiti-Chinese ties. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering coordination and cooperation in regional and international forums, as well as supporting one another's positions within international organizations to serve shared interests. Ambassador Hayat emphasized that these consultations reflect the directives of both countries' senior leaderships to maintain momentum in high-level exchanges and preserve the unique and longstanding relationship between the two nations across multiple fields. The two sides also reviewed the latest progress on agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between their governments, particularly those linked to major development projects in Kuwait. These include the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, the Al-Shagaya and Al-Abdaliya renewable energy initiatives, the wastewater treatment plant, labor and housing cities, and the low-carbon green waste recycling system. They also explored further cooperation in the areas of economic and free zones. On the sidelines of the consultations, Ambassador Hayat held several bilateral meetings with senior Chinese government officials, representatives from the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee, and senior advisors from the National Development and Reform Commission. During these meetings, both sides underscored the importance of continuing diplomatic consultations and deepening bilateral collaboration, building on the momentum of the successful state visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to China in September 2023. Ambassador Hayat reiterated Kuwait's strong commitment to further advancing its strategic partnership with China. It was agreed that the political consultation mechanism would continue on a regular basis, with the next round to be held in Kuwait at a date to be determined through diplomatic channels. The meetings were attended by Kuwait's Ambassador to China, Jassim Ibrahim Al-Najem, Counselor Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, members of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Beijing, and Diplomatic Attachés Ajil Al-Ahmad and Mubarak Al-Qamis from the Asian Affairs Department at Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (KUNA)
Arab Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
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.
