‘We’re working hard to strengthen strategic ties’

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 12: Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Zhang Jianwei praised the successful Arab and Gulf summits with China, affirming that his country has always been a loyal partner for Kuwait in all fields and that they are working hard to strengthen strategic relations between the two nations, reports Al-Qabas daily. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indonesian Embassy’s celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jianwei stressed that China always calls for cooperation for the benefit of all countries without interfering in each other’s internal affairs.

He said China deals with other countries on an equal footing and it fully supports international efforts to maintain peace. He confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with the representative of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will fortify Chinese- Kuwaiti relations in all fields. He asserted that Kuwait is an important partner of his country in the Belt and Road Initiative; citing the consultation and coordination between China and Kuwait on building the northern economic zone as an example. He affirmed the Chinese side takes a positive stance on all projects for Kuwait or any country, which signed the Belt and Road Initiative agreement.

He added that Chinese cooperation with countries in the region serves the interests of all parties, clarifying that China has no intention to fill any vacuum with a third party in the region. He also praised the wise Arab stand on the One China principle.

Asked if His Highness the Crown Prince has invited the Chinese President to Kuwait, Jianwei stated: “As far as I know, this invitation has existed for years -- since the days of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad who extended this invitation to President Xi Jinping and the latter accepted it. We are open to this invitation. I believe that there is a strong desire to further strengthen relations between our countries. These strategic relations will be strengthened and move forward.” On the other hand, Ambassador of Laos to Kuwait Boun Inthabandith praised the strong relationship of ASEAN countries with Kuwait; indicating there is good exchange between Kuwait and the ASEAN countries. He pointed out that culture plays a vital role in strengthening these relations; while contributing to national, social and economic development.