The poet Al-Buhturi once wrote: “Fresh spring has come, strutting and laughing in the most beautiful image, as if it is about to speak out.”

In just a few days, we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic visit of the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to China. At the time, he was serving as the Minister of Finance, Commerce and Industry. In February 1965, Sheikh Jaber went to Beijing, crossing vast oceans swept by spring breezes. He was warmly welcomed by Chinese leaders, particularly the then President of China Liu Shaoqi, Premier of the Government Administrative Council Zhou Enlai, and Vice President Chen Yi. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait at the time, the common identity of both nations as developing countries forged a bond of friendship. The encounter between Sheikh Jaber and the Chinese leadership was marked by an atmosphere of camaraderie, mutual respect, and brotherhood.

During their meetings, Sheikh Jaber took a stance of fairness and justice and highlighted Kuwait’s firm support for China’s efforts to protect its unity and territorial integrity. He strongly endorsed the one-China policy and advocated for the early restoration of China’s rightful seat in the United Nations. Sheikh Jaber had also expressed a keen desire to establish diplomatic relations with China shortly. In addition, the late Sheikh Jaber signed an economic assistance agreement with China, making Kuwait the first Gulf country to extend economic support to China. Beyond the official events, Sheikh Jaber enthusiastically visited the Great Wall of China, where he expressed his admiration for the landmark. Sheikh Jaber’s visit was not only the first visit by a high-ranking Kuwaiti official to China, but also the first visit by a senior Gulf official. His visit had a profound impact on the entire Gulf region. Six years later, China and Kuwait officially established diplomatic relations, with Kuwait becoming the first Gulf country to exchange diplomatic representation with China.

Since the establishment of official relations between China and Kuwait 60 years ago, particularly with the launch of the strategic partnership in 2018, the two countries have made great progress and achieved excellent results in various fields of cooperation. Thanks to the mutual trust, the friendship between Kuwait and China has deepened, and the two countries have become partners with a common vision for development. Kuwait has consistently upheld the one-China principle, and China has steadfastly supported Kuwait’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both countries have always understood and supported each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns. The friendly relationship between the leaders of China and Kuwait continues to thrive to this day. President Xi Jinping met with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah twice, first in Riyadh in December 2022 and then in Hangzhou in September 2023. These meetings resulted in important agreements on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders affirmed the importance of working together to create a brighter future for China-Kuwait relations. Currently, both the Chinese and Kuwaiti sides are working closely to accelerate the implementation of cooperation agreements made by the leaders of the two countries. They are continuously expanding and deepening practical cooperation between the two countries, injecting new momentum into the development of the strategic partnership, and strengthening its foundation. On February 12, the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait will host a solemn commemoration ceremony and will invite Kuwaiti friends from all walks of life to reflect on the historical significance of the late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit to China and look forward to the bright future of China-Kuwait relations. The Chinese side will work closely with the Kuwaiti side, guided by the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the World Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. China will also deepen the alignment of the Belt and Road project with the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which will contribute to advancing the China- Kuwait strategic partnership toward a broader and more promising future.