KUWAIT CITY, Sept 25: Kuwaiti-Chinese relations are witnessing a significant qualitative leap, driven by a series of joint agreements and memoranda of understanding currently being implemented, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Hayat said Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony held by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Hayat highlighted the strengthened cooperation between the two nations. The event was attended by key Kuwaiti officials, including the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, the  Minister of Finance, and the Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, alongside representatives from various diplomatic missions.

Hayat explained that under royal directives, Kuwait has taken high-level steps to solidify ties with China, including the formation of a ministerial committee led by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The committee, composed of six ministers, oversees the implementation of agreements signed with the Chinese government.

“The projects underway are massive and developmental in nature,” Hayat said, citing the completion of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, as well as renewable energy initiatives like the Abdaliyya and Shagaya projects. Other projects involve sewage, waste management, housing, and workers’ cities. He described these endeavors as a “new and unique experience” in direct government-to-government cooperation.

Ambassador Hayat also noted that China has been Kuwait’s top trading partner for eight consecutive years, praising China’s wisdom and constructive role in international forums and the UN Security Council, especially in promoting regional stability and addressing global challenges such as climate change and international crises.

He expressed confidence that the successful execution of current projects will pave the way for future collaborations, further strengthening bilateral relations and serving mutual interests.

During the ceremony, Liu Xiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, reiterated the deep-rooted historical friendship between the two countries. He praised ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

“Kuwait was the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with China, and this partnership remains a distinguished example of fruitful and evolving cooperation,” Liu said, emphasizing the rapid growth of relations in recent years under the strategic guidance of both nations’ leadership.

He also highlighted growing cultural ties, referencing the establishment of the Kuwait-China Friendship Club and the imminent opening of the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait next month, which aims to foster deeper understanding and connections between the peoples of both countries.

Liu reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s development vision, “New Kuwait 2035,” and to expanding the bilateral partnership to new heights for the benefit of both friendly peoples.

Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water, Finance, and Acting Minister for Economic Affairs, with the Chinese Embassy Chargé d'Affaires.

Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water, Finance, and Acting Minister for Economic Affairs, with the Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kuwait celebrates the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Republic.