His Excellency Zhang Jianwei The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait

In return, China has supported Kuwait’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. When Kuwait was invaded in 1990, China provided strong support for the restoration of Kuwait’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The two countries have always maintained close coordination in international affairs, advocating for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and opposing hegemony, power politics, and interference in the internal affairs of other nations.

China and Kuwait have collaborated to uphold the international system, with the United Nations at its core. Both countries have worked together to support efforts to develop a more just and equitable international order. The Amir of the State of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the first Gulf leader to publicly express support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the World Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. This has laid a solid political foundation and injected strong momentum into the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries in the future.

China and Kuwait have consistently deepened practical cooperation based on mutual benefit. Kuwait became the first country in the Middle East to sign a cooperation document under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. For ten consecutive years, China has been Kuwait’s largest trading partner. Also, the Kuwait Investment Authority opened its second overseas investment office in Shanghai, becoming the first foreign investor in China’s high-speed railway network.

Chinese companies have completed the construction of several major projects in Kuwait, including the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Kuwait, a university campus, a refinery, a housing project, and the development of the Seventh Ring Road. These efforts have positively contributed to the development of Kuwait’s economy and improved the livelihoods of its people. Chinese products, especially automobiles, are also highly popular among Kuwaiti consumers.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Huawei, Kuwait became the first country in the Middle East to successfully implement nationwide 5G network coverage. Cooperation between the two countries continues to expand, now including investment, finance, the digital economy, and other sectors. The two sides are currently working to implement a series of cooperation agreements signed by the leaders of both countries. Recently, the Chinese and Kuwaiti sides signed a contract for the study, design, and preconstruction services for the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project in Kuwait, as well as a framework agreement for technical arrangements regarding joint renewable energy cooperation in Beijing. This practical cooperation between the two countries is sure to bring greater prosperity to both peoples.

On the cultural front, China and Kuwait have continued to strengthen understanding and rapprochement between their peoples. Exchanges between the two countries are growing rapidly, with direct flights from Kuwait City to Guangzhou operating three times a week. More Kuwaitis are traveling to China for tourism and business purposes, especially during the Canton Fair, when all flights to China are fully booked. The first Chinese Cultural Center in the Gulf region was established in Kuwait. It organized a series of diverse cultural events and provided a new window for the Kuwaiti people to gain a deeper understanding of China. The center has created a valuable platform for promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning between the two countries.

The Chinese Embassy in Kuwait has worked tirelessly to implement the important consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and enhance cultural and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. The embassy has organized several major cultural events and hosted Chinese art troupes in Kuwait to introduce Kuwaiti society to China’s rich traditional culture which received widespread appreciation among various Kuwaiti circles. Mutual visits by media outlets, think tanks, youth, academics, and students have increased, further strengthening ties between the two peoples, and moving from a stage of acquaintance and understanding to one of closer rapport and solidarity.

Over the past 54 years, China and Kuwait have remained close friends and partners. Looking ahead, the two countries will continue their friendship and partnership, built on trust and support. Under the strategic guidance of the political leadership of both friendly countries, Sino-Kuwaiti relations have entered the best period in their history, with broader and more promising prospects. China is currently focusing on promoting high-quality development and a higher level of opening-up. Through Chinese-style modernization, it aims to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which will bring more opportunities to the world, including Kuwait.

It is worth noting that China is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year, and Kuwait is chairing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Chinese side is eager to use this opportunity to enhance communication and coordination with Kuwait to advance China-GCC relations toward high-quality development. China also looks forward to deepening cooperation with the GCC states in areas such as energy, infrastructure, aviation, renewable energy, the digital economy, combating desertification, and strengthening mutual investment and trade ties. This will bring more tangible benefits to the people of the region and all SCO members. We are fully confident in the future development of Sino-Kuwaiti relations and will continue our tireless efforts to further strengthen them.