President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to Kuwait: Ambassador

Staff Report

• The Chinese embassy issued approximately 9,000 visas to Kuwaitis last year, with holders of diplomatic and private passports exempt from requiring entry visas to China.

• There are four direct flights weekly from Kuwait to the Chinese city of Guangzhou. Additionally, there are direct flights from Gulf countries neighboring Kuwait and various regions of China.

H.E. Zhang Jianwei, the Ambassador of China to the country, emphasized that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to Kuwait and expresses a desire to visit. He underscored the importance of implementing agreements reached between the leaderships of both countries during the visit made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then Crown Prince, to China last September.

During a press conference at the embassy headquarters marking the two-year anniversary of his arrival in Kuwait, he added “We are actively working with Kuwait to implement these agreements, a significant achievement that serves the mutual interests of our friendly nations.”

Concerning the status of the free trade agreement between China and the GCC countries, he remarked, “The signing of this agreement holds great importance, and negotiations are ongoing between the two sides in this regard.”

The ambassador expressed a strong desire for his country to finalize this agreement promptly. He noted that the terms and details of the agreement necessitate further consultation between the two sides.

Additionally, he highlighted the Gulf countries’ aspirations to enhance cooperation with China, given its peaceful nature and second-ranking economy globally.

He expressed optimism about completing this agreement in the near future.

Regarding the increase in the number of Kuwaiti tourists to his country, he responded, “Since my arrival in Kuwait, I’ve been in touch with Kuwaiti friends who are interested in visiting Al-Sabn. It boasts rich tourism elements, ancient culture, and civilization, making it a premier tourist destination. Last year, our embassy issued about 9,000 visas, with diplomatic and private passport holders exempt from entry visas to our country.”

He explained that China provides facilities for obtaining entry visas, with the process taking no more than three days.

The ambassador also mentioned that there are four direct flights weekly from Kuwait to the Chinese city of Guangzhou. Additionally, there are direct flights from Gulf countries neighboring Kuwait and various regions of China.

He welcomed Kuwaiti tourists, expecting an increase in their numbers to China this year. He also noted that Kuwaitis enjoy Chinese cuisine and have a desire to explore the tourist attractions there.

Regarding the latest developments in the agreement with Kuwait to manage Mubarak Port, he mentioned that during the visit of His Highness the Amir, a cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries regarding Mubarak Port. An Amiri decree was issued outlining this framework. He explained that the two sides are extensively and deeply consulting on this project.

He emphasized that Mubarak Port is a vast and strategic project that, once completed, will bring development to Kuwait.

He said, “We have confidence in the future of cooperation with Kuwait, which is embarking on a significant journey. We note His Highness the Amir’s interest in Kuwait’s development and emphasize that Kuwait is a strategic partner of China, and China will remain reliable for Kuwait.”

He added, “We are actively working with the Kuwaiti side on implementing these agreements on the ground.”

He further added, “I will strive to implement what was agreed upon between the leaderships of our two countries to the best of my ability.”

“China, Kuwait share similar values”

The ambassador stated that China and Kuwait share similar values concerning the future and destiny of humanity. They believe in a common future for humanity and advocate for unity, cooperation, and progress. Both sides are taking concrete measures in bilateral relations to serve as a role model.

“A small boat cannot endure turbulent waters”

The Chinese ambassador remarked that the current international situation is entangled with chaos, echoing President Xi Jinping’s observation: “Amid the tumultuous global crises, the world’s nations find themselves not in over 190 small boats, but rather aboard a large ship, sharing a common destiny.”

He further emphasized the metaphorical difference, stating that a small boat cannot endure turbulent waters, whereas a giant ship can navigate through storms. This vivid metaphor encapsulates China’s advocacy for building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Pioneering endorsement of the “Global Development Initiative”

He mentioned that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was the first Gulf leader to openly endorse the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The two countries have been working closely together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The ambassador added, “China and Kuwait benefit from complementary advantages, leading to mutual benefits and win-win outcomes for both sides. Since 2015, China has consistently maintained its position as Kuwait’s largest trading partner. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and Kuwait amounted to $22.39 billion. Kuwait is also the ninth largest source of crude oil imports to China, with China importing 24.53 million tons of crude oil from Kuwait. Chinese oil companies have signed long-term agreements to purchase crude oil from the Kuwait Petroleum Company.”

“Currently, around sixty Chinese companies are operating in Kuwait and have participated in over 80 engineering contracting projects in the country. Chinese companies possess strong capabilities, advanced technology, and extensive experience in infrastructure construction, with numerous successful projects in the region. The Chinese side encourages more Chinese companies with strong capabilities and a good reputation to participate in Kuwait’s construction and development,” the ambassador said.