KUWAIT CITY, Sept 23: Dr. Saad Al-Barrak, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, announced the government's intention to update the "Kuwait 2035" vision, transforming it into the "2024-2040" plan.

Al-Barrak told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the signing of the Kuwaiti-Chinese agreements Friday, that His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad was keen to respond to the Chinese President’s invitation to visit China, an invitation he received during the Chinese-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia last December.

He highlighted the preparatory efforts initiated since then, guided by the Crown Prince, to invest in this significant meeting and align Kuwait's development with the foundational principles of the 2035 plan, now being evolved into the "2024-2040" plan.

This adjustment aims to integrate global developments of the past three years -- be they health-related, economic, or political -- into the plan, ensuring a more precise and improved reflection of Kuwait's trajectory. Minister Al-Barrak emphasized that seven agreements were signed to foster cooperation with China, focusing on vital projects such as the Mubarak Al-Abdullah Port project. The first phase is nearing 50 percent completion, with a goal to expedite the activation of the port after completing the first phase.

China's expertise in construction, management, and port operations makes Beijing a significant partner in these endeavors. Memoranda of understanding were signed for projects like the housing cities initiative and a solar electricity generation station. Additionally, agreements in infrastructure and various other domains were signed by Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Regarding Kuwait's vision, Al-Barrak underscored the need for an update due to evolving economic and political landscapes, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukrainian crisis. The current official visit of His Highness the Crown Prince was emphasized as crucial, considering the enduring historical ties between Kuwait and China. Al-Barrak acknowledged China's consistent support for Kuwait, particularly during challenging times, highlighting their friendship and the agreements that set the foundation for furthering their relationship.