Kuwait and China ready to take Mubarak Port project to next stage

• Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, stated that Kuwait is upgrading ties with China, India, and Japan to “strategic” status, while new embassies abroad are carefully planned to serve national interests and support citizens.

Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, highlighted a significant qualitative shift in Kuwaiti-Chinese relations as the agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries move into the implementation phase, Al Qabas newspaper reported.

He made the remarks during the Chinese Embassy’s celebration of the 76th National Day of the People’s Republic of China, which was attended by Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance, Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem.

Ambassador Hayat affirmed Kuwait and China’s commitment to strengthening strategic relations and deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and investment fields, in a manner that serves the shared interests of both countries.

He noted that technical studies and research for the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project are progressing steadily, including soil, water, and wave analyses at the site ahead of implementation. The signing of the implementation contract with the Chinese side is expected soon, as technical assessments are being finalized, placing the next steps in China’s hands.

Highlighting Kuwait’s pioneering role in the region, Hayat said the country was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with China and the first in the Middle East to sign a memorandum of understanding under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, reviving the historic Silk Road. He added that Kuwaiti-Chinese relations are currently experiencing their most prosperous phase, with the launch of unprecedented development projects in multiple sectors.

“Several Chinese government-owned companies, approved by the Chinese presidency, are directly collaborating with Kuwait on large-scale projects, including the completion of Mubarak Port, renewable energy initiatives like the third and fourth phases of Abdaliya and Shagaya, sewage and waste management projects, and the development of housing and workers’ cities,” he explained.

Ambassador Hayat emphasized that a ministerial committee, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, meets weekly to oversee the implementation of agreements and memoranda between the two governments. Technical teams submit detailed reports to the committee, enabling swift decisions and efficient project execution.

He highlighted that Kuwait’s partnership with China benefits from direct government-to-government communication, bypassing bureaucratic delays through open channels and hotlines with the National Development and Reform Commission. This allows immediate responses to queries and ensures smooth coordination.

Ambassador Hayat also indicated that Kuwait is elevating relations with select countries, including China, India, and Japan, to “strategic” status, opening unique avenues for cooperation. He stressed that the opening of new embassies abroad is guided by careful studies to serve national interests and citizens, with embassies forming the backbone of citizen support overseas.

Meanwhile, Liu Xiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, reaffirmed that Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab state to establish ties with China. He noted that current relations are at their strongest, with progress in projects such as Mubarak Port, renewable energy, residential developments, the growing presence of Chinese brands in Kuwait, and the upcoming opening of the Chinese Cultural Center next month. Liu stressed that China remains a reliable partner in Kuwait’s development and will continue expanding horizons of cooperation.

Follow The Times Kuwait on
X, Instagram and Facebook for the latest news updates