KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: The depth of the historical relationship between Kuwait and the People’s Republic of China was celebrated at an event marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the launching of the Happy Spring Festival at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Sameeh Hayat put the spotlight on the five-decade-long ties as a “distinguished model of international relations, based on mutual trust, respect and steadfastness.” He underscored the deeprooted historical foundations of the bilateral relationship, indicating that they predate the official declaration. He recalled the historic 1965 visit of His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad to China, which paved the way for political and economic cooperation. He said this cooperation culminated in the establishment of diplomatic relations and embassies in 1971, positioning Kuwait as the first Gulf and Arab state to take this step. He also cited China’s “honorable stances towards Kuwait,” particularly its unequivocal support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and legitimacy during the Iraqi invasion in 1990 -- a position that “will remain etched in Kuwaiti memory.”

He added the economic relationship remains robust, disclosing that Kuwait is the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to China, while China has been Kuwait’s top trading partner for the past eight years. He described the current partnership as an “advanced stage of strategic coordination and practical cooperation” under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said the major milestone was Kuwait’s signing of the Belt and Road Initiative cooperation document in 2014 – the first country in the Middle East to do so – reflecting a “convergence of developmental visions” and a desire to strengthen Kuwait’s strategic position in global trade.

He mentioned as well the declaration of a comprehensive partnership in 2018, followed by His Highness the Amir’s visit to China in September 2023 when he was Crown Prince, marking a “qualitative leap” that resulted in seven memoranda of understanding on renewable energy, infrastructure and environmental governance. Looking ahead, Kuwait expressed readiness to host the third Arab-Gulf-Chinese Summit in 2030.

On the other hand, Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Yang Xin revealed that bilateral relations stand at a “new historical starting point,” witnessing a rapid acceleration in mutually beneficial cooperation. He cited major projects, including the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, as significant contributors to Kuwait’s national development plan, alongside the increasing presence of Chinese smart industry products in Kuwaiti households.

He talked about the extraordinary growth in trade, indicating that the volume of trade between the two nations increased from $22 million at the time of establishing diplomatic relations to around $18.58 billion in 2025 – more than 800 times increase. He also cited the growing cultural and humanitarian exchange, evidenced by the presence of a Chinese medical team for over 50 years and the opening of the first Chinese cultural center in the Gulf region in Kuwait.

On future prospects, he touched on Sino- Arab and Sino-Gulf relations in light of the upcoming summits, confirming the commitment of China to work with Kuwait to boost confidence and expand cooperation to contribute to building a China-Arab community with a shared future.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff