KUWAIT CITY, May 21: The China-Kuwait Media Seminar on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation organized by Xinhua News Agency Middle East Bureau and co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait was held in the Hawalli Governorate of Kuwait on Monday. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the cooperation deal under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Kuwait. At the seminar, representatives from Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait State Television, local newspapers and other local mainstream media institutions shed light on topics such as “the role of media in the joint promotion for the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait’s 2035 National Vision”, and “How the Chinese and Kuwaiti media jointly respond to common challenges in the world today”.

In his speech, Zhang Jianwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, introduced the fruitful achievements of the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Kuwait in many fields such as economy, trade and humanities over the past decade. He stressed that people-to-people exchanges is an important part of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, in which the media plays an important role. It is hoped that in the future, the media of the two countries will continue to strengthen “twoway travel”, deepen cooperation, and jointly tell the story of China-Kuwait friendship and cooperation, he added.

General Secretary of the Supreme Planning and Development Council Khaled Al-Mahdi, said during his speech in the event that the jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative has brought obvious development results to the participant countries. As one of the first countries to join the “the Belt and Road” initiative, Kuwait is constantly strengthening the docking between Kuwait’s 2035 National Vision and the Belt and Road Initiative. For her part, Deputy Director of Xinhua News Agency’s Middle East Bureau Wu Zhongmin introduced the exchange and cooperation between Xinhua and Kuwaiti medias, as well as Xinhua’s efforts for deep integration and development in media. She emphasized that strengthening media exchanges and cooperation is an important component of promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing friendships and building a community with a shared future between China and Arab countries.

Relations

The Chinese envoy commended the mutually-beneficial relations between his country and Kuwait in a variety of domains, particularly their cooperation in building and developing the Silk Road Economic Belt. Ambassador Jianwei pointed out that Kuwait was the first country in the Middle East to sign an agreement with China for joining its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) -- a strategy initiated by China to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth in 2014.

The Chinese envoy hailed the steady growth in trade exchange between China and Kuwait since 2013, saying “The volume of trade exchange between the two countries skyrocketed from $12.5 billion in 2013 to $22.39 billion in 2023; making China the largest trade partner of Kuwait since 2015.” He disclosed China has opened a cultural center in Kuwait to boost cultural exchange and educating Kuwaiti citizens and residents about the Chinese culture in its diversity and recalled His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s milestone visit to China in September 2023, when he was the Crown Prince, and his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He elaborated on the visit of Kuwait’s Amir to China and the signing of seven MoUs particularly projects under the MoUs between two countries, highlighting the importance of Chinese companies doing business in Kuwait and why China and Kuwait is important to each other, what should Chinese and Kuwait governments, companies and medias do to solve the difficulties which the projects are facing. Moreover, he noted that Chinese companies are also executing energy, housing, infrastructure, and others projects in Kuwait.

This visit ushered in a new phase of cooperation for pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative and showed both countries’ determination to harmonize the Belt and Road Initiative and the Kuwait National Vision 2035, he clarified. He added that the two countries also signed memoranda of cooperation in other domains such as renewable energy, infrastructure and environmental governance while talks are ongoing to accelerate the implementation of projects agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries during this visit. It is noteworthy to mention here that in June 2014, China and Kuwait signed a memorandum on jointly promoting cooperation related to the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and the “Silk City”.

Addressing the seminar, the Managing Editor of the Arab Times newspaper, Marlon Aquino Malinao highlighted not just the history, but the extraordinary journey of the newspaper -- a beacon of journalistic integrity and a cornerstone of Kuwait’s media landscape. Founded in 1977 under the visionary leadership of our esteemed Editor-in-Chief and Dean of Journalism Ahmed Al-Jarallah, this newspaper, he said, has transcended expectations, evolving into a dynamic daily that resonates deeply within Kuwait and far beyond. From its modest beginnings, the news daily has offered insightful coverage that spans local, regional, and international affairs with a steadfast commitment to presenting Arab and international perspectives with clarity and depth.

Arab Times is more than a newspaper; it is a cultural touchstone, a voice of reason, and a catalyst for informed debate. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and shifting media landscapes, the Arab Times has embraced innovation while upholding the highest standards of journalistic excellence. Its digital footprint reaches audiences across continents, ensuring its relevance and influence in an interconnected world as “We are dedicated to not only informing but also empowering our readers with verified information they can trust.” He went on to say, “Our dedication to community extends to our most-read ‘The Opinion’ column by our Editor-in-Chief, which serves as a platform for thoughtful reflection and dialogue on pressing issues facing our society.”

Evolution
Looking ahead, “As we zero in on the evolution, we are deeply honored to participate in China-Kuwait Media Seminar on Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation aimed at fostering collaboration between China and Kuwait, advancing economic development, and promoting media exchanges between relevant departments of the two countries.

On behalf of our Editor-in-Chief Ahmed Al-Jarallah, Deputy Editorin- Chief Suleiman Al-Jarallah, CEOs Mishal Al-Jarallah and Sattam Al-Jarallah, Deputy CEO of Al-Jarallah Group Dr. Ayman Al- Buloushi, and the entire Arab Times team, we look forward to continuing our legacy of unparalleled journalism, insightful storytelling, and meaningful engagement with China for years to come.” This seminar was organized to celebrate the historic moments with the aim of promoting the economic and trade development between the Kuwait and China, especially through media cooperation and exchanges between relevant departments of the two countries. The opening ceremony was marked with Chinese and Kuwaiti government officials/media people delivering speeches following the official launch of the event.

Achievements
Of particular interest was the slide show and videos highlighting the achievements of China-Kuwait cooperation and the introduction of the progress and future planning of the Belt and Road Initiative showcasing the achievements of media cooperation, exchange, and mutual visits between China and Kuwait. The topic of the seminar was ‘How should the media play its role in the strategic alignment of the China-proposed ‘Belt and Road’ and the ‘2035 National Vision’ of Kuwait; and Introduction of significance development history, and achievements of the “China Arab Cooperation Forum”.

In 2004, China and the Arab League established the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. In 2022, at the first China-Arab Summit, both sides agreed to make every effort to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, and both sides will hold a series of activities to celebrate this important milestone. The China-Kuwait Media Exchange Seminar serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations, highlighting the pivotal role of media in advancing bilateral cooperation and fostering a shared future. As China and Kuwait navigate the complexities of the modern world, initiatives such as these pave the way for deeper understanding, prosperity, and mutual benefit.

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff and Agencies