Latest news with #Kuwaiti-Chinese
Arab Times
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Defense Undersecretary highlights growing Kuwait-China partnership
KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Defense Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah affirmed that his participation in the celebration of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army of China is a manifestation of the strength of the relationship between the State of Kuwait and the friendly People's Republic of China; indicating this relationship is particularly evident in the military field, and more generally in various other fields. In a press statement on the sidelines of the reception organized by the Chinese Embassy on the occasion of the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al-Sabah disclosed 'we, in the Ministry of Defense, have several projects with the friendly People's Republic of China -- the most important of which is the establishment of a medium and light ammunition factory that will open in the near future. At the State level, there are major strategic projects, including some projects related to Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, as well as huge housing projects.' Regarding the exchange of military training between the two countries, he explained that training projects between Kuwait and China are ongoing, and that there is an expansion in this field every year. Asked about the consultations to strengthen defense cooperation with countries in the Asian continent and the signing of new agreements, he said 'the Kuwaiti side focuses on relations with sisterly, Gulf and Arab countries. The political and military leaderships are also aware of the development of these relations with friendly countries in the East and West.' On the development or modernization of the defense system or defense industries, he stressed that 'Kuwaiti-Chinese relations are considered one of the basic pillars upon which the Kuwaiti Army relies in terms of defense agreements at the regional level.' About the defense agreements since 1991 and the discussion of renewing these agreements, he pointed out that 'relations between the State of Kuwait and major powers worldwide are based on these main axes: defense agreements, memoranda of understanding and arms contracts.' On the other hand, Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait Brigadier General Liu Zongchen asserted that relations between the Kuwaiti and Chinese militaries are witnessing positive development in various fields; most notably military training, defense industry cooperation and mutual exchange. He stressed that this cooperation is an important pillar in the growing bilateral relations between the two countries, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. In his speech at the ceremony -- which was attended by Commander of the Land Forces Artillery Brigadier General Faisal Al-Ajeel and a number of heads and members of the diplomatic corps and military attaché; Brigadier General Liu Zongchen divulged his aspiration to enhance military cooperation with Kuwait during his tenure. He said 'I look forward to working with my Kuwaiti counterparts to implement the agreement reached by the two countries' leaders and strengthen the defense partnership to serve common interests and maintain regional security and stability.' He pointed out that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with China; indicating that relations between the two countries have entered their best phase, driven by deep political understanding and practical cooperation in various fields. He added 'the People's Liberation Army, established 98 years ago under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, has a history of victories in liberating the people and defending State sovereignty and development. The Army today is accelerating its development to become a world-class force and continues to play its role as a pillar of Chinese renaissance. The Chinese Army is committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and opposes policies of hegemony and force.' He highlighted the contributions of the Chinese Army to peacekeeping and development around the world. 'Since 1990, it has participated in 25 UN peacekeeping operations and sent more than 50,000 personnel to more than 20 countries and regions. Since 2008, the Chinese Navy has carried out escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off the coast of Somalia; providing protection to more than 1,600 batches of Chinese and foreign vessels, and contributing to the rescue of about 100 vessels.' He also reviewed the humanitarian role of the Chinese Army, citing visits of the hospital ship 'Peace Ark' to 49 countries and regions to provide medical assistance and relief. He affirmed that his country will continue its role in building an international community of peace, development and mutual cooperation. Chinese Chargé d'Affaires to Kuwait Liu Xiang stated that his country remains committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Kuwait and working together to consolidate peace and development in the region and the world. He said China is always ready to build a shared future for humanity, based on multilateralism and respect for the international system led by the United Nations. He added 'I am certain that Brigadier General Liu will make sincere efforts to strengthen and develop relations between our countries and militaries, achieving further progress and common prosperity.' He touched on the historical dimension of the occasion, noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He recalled the magnitude of the sacrifices made by the Chinese people in that war, which contributed significantly to the global victory over fascism. He quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying that 'war is like a mirror; contemplating it helps us appreciate the value of peace. He added 'China and Kuwait experienced the tragedies of war, and it is important to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives and build a brighter future for our peoples.' He lauded Kuwait's supportive stance toward China's global initiatives. 'We commend the explicit support expressed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah for the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and World Civilization Initiative launched by the Chinese President. We express our deep appreciation for this noble stance.' He also affirmed his country's aspiration for further cooperation with Kuwait and other friendly countries, as part of its efforts to achieve peaceful development, protect true pluralism, and promote peace and stability in the world.
Arab Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait stresses green economy and carbon goals at SCO Energy Ministers' meeting
BEIJING, June 29: The State of Kuwait showcased its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and diversifying its national economy during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Energy Ministers' Conference held on June 26-27 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. The event, themed 'Innovation and Integration... Dynamic Future,' brought together ministers, officials, and experts from SCO member states, observers, and dialogue partners. Counselor Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, representing the Kuwaiti Embassy at the conference, reaffirmed Kuwait's full support for the SCO's objectives, especially under China's rotating presidency for 2024 and 2025, designated as the 'Year of Sustainable Development.' He noted that this initiative highlights a collective regional commitment to addressing climate change, ensuring energy security, and transitioning towards a green economy. Al-Dakhil emphasized Kuwait's active role as a dialogue partner within the SCO, strengthening cooperation in energy transition and environmental sustainability. He underscored the strategic Kuwaiti-Chinese partnership in the energy sector, marked notably by a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2024 between Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, China's SPIC Corporation, and the National Energy Administration. The agreement focuses on renewable energy, technical cooperation to meet peak demand, and clean energy infrastructure planning. Highlighting the significance of this partnership, Al-Dakhil mentioned the visit of a high-level Chinese delegation to Kuwait's Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex in May, reflecting mutual dedication to expanding collaborative efforts. He further explained that Kuwait's initiatives align with the SCO's energy strategy up to 2030, adopted at the 2024 energy ministers' meeting in Astana. Kuwait's advancements in clean energy serve as a valuable model for exchange among SCO members, particularly in renewable energy projects, capacity building, and smart city planning. Concluding his remarks, Al-Dakhil acknowledged the challenges on the path to carbon neutrality but highlighted the vast opportunities for cooperation and innovation. He affirmed Kuwait's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable, integrated future through its regional and international partnerships. Kuwait's participation at the SCO conference demonstrates its strategic focus on deepening international collaborations in clean energy and environmental innovation, reinforcing its role as a key dialogue partner within major regional organizations, and advancing its national carbon neutrality goals.
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.
