Chinese Cultural Center – symbol of deepening Sino-Kuwaiti friendship – opens in Kuwait

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, Liu Xiang, hailed the inauguration of the Chinese Cultural Center in Salmiya — the first of its kind in the Gulf region — as a milestone in strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between China and Kuwait.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Xiang described the new center as “a symbol of Chinese-Kuwaiti friendship and a vital platform for deepening people-to-people connections.” He added that the establishment of the center “reflects the high standing of Kuwait and the steady growth of China’s relations with the Gulf states.”

Xiang explained that the center will host a wide range of cultural programs aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries and the wider region. These will include courses in Chinese language and culture, culinary workshops, and music sessions. Highlighting the spirit of cultural exchange, he noted that a Kuwaiti band performed at the opening ceremony, playing both Kuwaiti and Chinese songs — a gesture that symbolized the harmony and cooperation between the two nations.

Commenting on the enthusiastic local participation, Xiang said, “We have seen great interest from our Kuwaiti friends, who are eager to learn the Chinese language and explore our traditions. This reflects Kuwait’s openness and the warmth and friendliness of its people toward the Chinese.”

Xiang recalled that the center began trial operations in September 2023 and, over the past two years, has worked under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s World Civilization Initiative. “During this time,” he said, “the center has implemented key understandings between our two countries and organized a series of cultural and educational activities — from language classes and art performances to exhibitions, film screenings, and seminars. Through these efforts, the Kuwaiti public has gained a closer look at China’s ancient heritage as well as its modern achievements.”

He went on to say, “Here in Kuwait, China no longer feels distant. Through tai chi, Chinese medicine, tea ceremonies, cuisine, festivals, and traditional arts, Kuwaiti friends can now experience the depth and beauty of Chinese civilization firsthand. These cultural interactions have deepened emotional and intellectual ties, providing lasting momentum for the advancement of our bilateral relations.”

Quoting President Xi Jinping, Xiang added, “A civilization can only flourish through exchanges and mutual learning. In today’s interconnected world, tolerance, coexistence, and dialogue among civilizations are essential for shared progress and global prosperity.” He affirmed that the new center will continue to serve as a bridge of understanding, promoting cultural cooperation and dialogue between China and Kuwait for years to come.

For her part, Sheikha Dr. Al-Anoud Al-Sabah, Assistant Secretary-General for the Islamic Antiquities Sector at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), praised the opening as a “remarkable cultural milestone” that opens new horizons for cooperation and friendship between the two nations.

She noted that the center had already been operating in a pilot phase over the past two years, offering an array of rich artistic and interactive programs that enhanced mutual understanding. Expressing appreciation to Liu Xiang and the center’s director, Al-Sabah said their “continued support and collaboration with NCCAL have helped build enduring bridges of cultural exchange.”

She added that this year marks 43 years since the establishment of cultural relations between China and Kuwait — decades, she said, “defined by friendship, collaboration, and flourishing ties in media, arts, and education.”

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