BEIJING, China, Dec 4: Kuwaiti Ambassador to China, Jassim Al-Najem, affirmed on Wednesday that Kuwaiti-Chinese relations exemplify a unique model of integration and synergy, aligning with the aspirations of the leaders of both countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties in March 1971.

In a special interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ambassador Al-Najem highlighted that the strategic partnership, which was formally initiated in 2018, has opened a new era of constructive cooperation and fruitful friendship. This partnership has become a central pillar for expanding economic and trade relations, with the trade exchange between the two nations reaching approximately $22 billion in 2023. This trade volume has solidified China's position as Kuwait's largest trading partner for the ninth consecutive year, a testament to the deep economic ties between them.

The Ambassador also noted that Kuwait was the first country in the Middle East to sign a cooperation agreement with China under the “Belt and Road” initiative in June 2014. This ambitious initiative, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to reshape regional and international cooperation.

Al-Najem praised the vital role of Chinese companies in enriching economic cooperation, stressing that Kuwait, with its ambitious development vision and large-scale projects, welcomes these companies, which bring extensive experience, to partner in shaping the country’s future renaissance. He pointed out that China is involved in major projects aligned with Kuwait's Vision 2035, which seeks to transform Kuwait into a regional hub for transportation and trade. These projects include the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the Al-Shagaya Renewable Energy Complex,  a portion of the new Kuwait International Airport, as well as bridges, highways, renewable energy initiatives, and residential areas. Chinese companies also contributed to building the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Kuwait.

The Ambassador referenced the significant visit by His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to China in September 2023 (when His Highness was still the Crown Prince). During the visit, His Highness held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, culminating in the signing of seven memoranda of understanding. Notably, these included a joint statement outlining a five-year cooperation plan for 2024-2028 and an agreement on the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project.

Further memoranda were signed, covering various areas of cooperation. These included agreements on housing development with the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, electric power systems and renewable energy development with the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and environmental infrastructure related to wastewater treatment with the Ministry of Public Works. Additionally, the Kuwait Municipality and China’s National Development and Reform Commission signed an agreement on a low-carbon green system for recycling waste. The seventh memorandum, on the development of free zones and economic zones, was signed between the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

In the energy sector, Ambassador Al-Najem commended China’s leadership in renewable energy, highlighting its pivotal role in the construction of the Shagaya Renewable Energy Plant. He noted that Chinese companies are distinguished by their advanced technology and expertise in solar panels and wind turbines, which support Kuwait’s vision for a shift to clean energy. Kuwait has signed a memorandum of understanding with China for cooperation in electrical energy systems and the development of renewable energy.

On the topic of communications, Al-Najem pointed out that Kuwait was the first Middle Eastern country to achieve full 5G network coverage, thanks to partnerships with Chinese communications companies. He emphasized that Kuwait could also benefit from Chinese expertise in developing the next-generation 6G network, as China leads the global race in this field.

Discussing the plans to accelerate digitization and achieve a smart government, Al-Najem shared that Kuwait and China are collaborating on joint projects in digital technology, such as enhancing IT infrastructure and adopting artificial intelligence technologies. Kuwait seeks China’s assistance, particularly in digitization and cloud computing, to achieve its Vision 2035 goals. In May 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed to enhance cooperation in the digital economy, which is expected to boost collaboration in digital technologies.

Ambassador Al-Najem reiterated that Kuwait Vision 2035 presents opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation with China, particularly as Kuwait’s future vision aligns with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. China’s advanced technologies in artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and smart city projects provide opportunities for Kuwait to benefit from Chinese expertise in sustainable transportation, building refineries, communications, renewable energy, and modern residential areas.

On the economic front, the Ambassador noted that talks on launching a joint free trade zone between Kuwait and China are ongoing. This initiative falls within Kuwait’s efforts to capitalize on the Chinese “Belt and Road” initiative. A memorandum of understanding on economic zones and free trade zones, signed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority and China’s Ministry of Commerce, reflects the commitment of both sides to enhancing economic cooperation through joint investments.

Cultural cooperation between Kuwait and China has also seen significant growth, with student exchange programs increasing due to bilateral understandings and scholarship opportunities. Chinese universities offer various advanced specializations, particularly in recent years. Al-Najem explained that China’s higher education, academic, and research institutions focus on innovation, scientific research, and industry integration, making great strides in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and modern technology applications.

Al-Najem added that the Chinese government encourages international students to study in China and engage in cultural and scientific exchanges, while Kuwait provides support to its students through various scholarship programs. This growing academic collaboration has been further strengthened by the opening of China’s first cultural center in Kuwait, located in the Salmiya area, in September 2023. Additionally, in May 2023, Kuwait University and the International Center for Language Education Exchange in China signed an agreement to establish a smart classroom for teaching Chinese.

On the issue of the Iraqi Federal Court’s ruling to annul the Khor Abdullah Agreement, signed in 2012 between Kuwait and Iraq, Al-Najem emphasized that China stresses the importance of respecting international agreements and promoting regional cooperation for peace and stability. He added that China consistently advocates for resolving border disputes peacefully, respecting international sovereignty, and fostering good neighborly relations.

Regarding security and military cooperation, the Ambassador noted the remarkable development of bilateral cooperation between Kuwait and China. This cooperation primarily focuses on training and information exchange to address security challenges such as combating terrorism. Al-Najem also mentioned that China could contribute its technological expertise to enhance Kuwait’s cybersecurity efforts. (KUNA)