Kuwait-China partnership powers ahead with strong development

• Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that relations between Kuwait and China have witnessed remarkable growth in various fields over the years. He stressed that building on the solid foundations laid by their leaders over decades remains a shared responsibility.

Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Foreign Minister of Kuwait, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with China across all sectors. He emphasized that this partnership aligns with the aspirations of leaderships of both nations and peoples, fostering security, stability, prosperity, and development regionally and globally, Al Rai newspaper reported.

This was stated in a speech by the Deputy Foreign Minister during an event at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kuwait, marking the 60th anniversary of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s historic visit to China in 1965. May God bless his soul.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

Sheikh Jarrah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah noted that the late Amir’s visit, undertaken when he was Minister of Finance, Commerce, and Industry, embodied the well-known Chinese proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” as it was the first step in Kuwaiti-Chinese relations.

He added that this visit laid the groundwork for diplomatic ties, culminating in the establishment of formal relations in 1971 and the reciprocal opening of embassies. Kuwait thus became the first Arab Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing, making it “China’s gateway to the Gulf region.”

He stated that this visit laid the foundation for strong bilateral relations, which have flourished over the decades thanks to the tireless efforts of Kuwaiti and Chinese officials.

Despite geographical distance, he explained, this relationship has transcended diplomacy and protocol, evolving into a deep friendship rooted in shared values such as mutual respect, fruitful cooperation, and a genuine commitment to development and prosperity. These noble principles, grounded in the UN Charter and international law, make Kuwaiti-Chinese ties a model for inter-state relations.

He recalled the highly successful visit of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—may God bless his soul—to Beijing in July 2018, as well as the historic visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—may God protect him—to China in September 2023, when he was Crown Prince. The latter visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, opening a new chapter in Kuwaiti-Chinese relations under the theme “A Promising and Bright Future of Cooperation.”

The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that relations between the two countries have witnessed remarkable growth in various fields over the years. He stressed that building on the solid foundations laid by their leaders over decades remains a shared responsibility.

For his part, His Excellency Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kuwait, noted in a similar speech that the visit of the late Amir Sheikh JaberAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah—may God have mercy on him—was the first by a high-ranking Kuwaiti official to China after its establishment. This visit, he said, laid a strong foundation for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Jianwei added that over the past six decades, Kuwait and China have provided each other with unwavering support, strengthened bilateral ties, and developed a close, trust-based friendship and partnership for mutual growth.

Broader cooperation

He emphasized that the leaders of both countries, through mutual visits, have sought to advance relations from a long-term strategic perspective, paving the way for even broader cooperation. As a result of this practical collaboration, China has been Kuwait’s largest trading partner for ten consecutive years.

China second-largest source of FDI in Kuwait

He noted that Kuwait opened its second foreign investment office in Shanghai, while China became the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Kuwait. Key projects executed by Chinese companies—including the new Central Bank of Kuwait headquarters and the university city—have been successfully completed. He also highlighted various aspects of cooperation that have deepened the bonds between the two nations’ leaderships and peoples.