The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kuwait, Zhang Jianwei, affirmed on Wednesday that Chinese-Kuwaiti relations are distinguished and a role model for exchanges and have reached a high level of development and prosperity, indicating his country's determination to enhance economic and trade cooperation with Kuwait.
Ambassador Jianwei added in a press conference held at the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait that high-level visits between the two countries play an important role in developing those relations that we have always been keen on developing.
He said, "Kuwait is the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with his country, and it is also the first Arab country to take the initiative to sign a memorandum of understanding with China regarding the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative."
He pointed out that his country is working to deepen cooperation with Kuwait in various fields, constantly strengthen bonds of common interests, and achieve mutual benefit for both sides.
He recalled the visit of the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, to China, during which he announced with President Xi Jinping the establishment of strategic partnership relations between China and Kuwait.
He continued that in recent years, the strategic partnership relations between the two countries have developed significantly under the care and guidance of the leadership of the two countries.
In response to a question about the upcoming visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, to China, the ambassador stated that it will constitute a major boost to bilateral relations and an enhancement of cooperation between the two friendly countries.
Regarding the projects in which Chinese companies participate in Kuwait, Ambassador Jianwei stressed that his country attaches great interest to participating in infrastructure work and large Kuwaiti projects, pointing out that China has a history of fruitful partnership in many development projects. He explained that Kuwait enjoys a distinctive geographical location and in recent years it has put forward (New Kuwait Vision 2035), which seeks to develop a diversified and sustainable economy, which is largely consistent with the strategy of the (Belt and Road) initiative.
In this regard, he pointed out that China always views Kuwait as an ideal and natural partner in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, as the two countries enjoy strong economic integration and similar development concepts.
He stated that the volume of economic and trade cooperation exchange in 2022 amounted to 31.48 billion US dollars, an annual increase of 42.3 percent, indicating that Kuwait is the seventh largest source of crude oil imports to China, which imported 33.28 million tons of crude oil, an annual increase of 10.34 percent.
He added that 60 Chinese companies are currently operating in Kuwait and have participated in more than 80 projects, becoming a vital force in building infrastructure and economic development in Kuwait.
Regarding the Palestinian issue, the ambassador stressed that his country’s position is firm, firm and clear regarding resolving this issue, pointing out that Beijing, from the beginning, supports the establishment of a complete Palestinian state according to the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It also rejects the policy of force and calls for resolving disputes through consultation.
Regarding the mediation carried out by China in bringing the views of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran closer together, he stressed that his country “played a positive role between Riyadh and Tehran as requested by both parties,” indicating that this role stems from China’s foreign policy, which calls for peace, development, cooperation, and common benefit.
He pointed out that the Middle East is an important region for the world, stressing his country's support for the countries of the region in making their decisions according to their independent will.
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