By Abdulaziz Al-Mejren
BEIJING, May 16 (KUNA) -- Collaboration with China is seen as crucial to turn Kuwait's aspirations of becoming a global and financial hub into a reality, Kuwait's Supreme Council for Planning and Development (SCPD) said on Tuesday.
The SCPD members made the remarks in separate statements to KUNA on the sidelines of a meeting between Kuwait's Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao.
The SCPD members pointed out that Kuwait's ties with Beijing harken back to 46 years ago, as Kuwait was the first Arab nation to establish full-fledged diplomatic ties with the world's most populous nation.
Moreover, they drew parallels between Kuwait's 2035 plan for development and China's initiative to revive the ancient Silk Road, two endeavors with common visions of grandeur.
Meanwhile, Abdulfatah Marafi, an SCPD member, revealed that both nations signed a slew of agreements dealing with education, healthcare and investment.
He also spoke of the need to have regular meetings between both sides that would further propel bilateral ties to new heights.
Similarly, Dr. Khlaed Al-Nassar, another SCPD member, noted that the meeting tackled how far progress has come on a number of Kuwaiti development projects.
Al-Nasser underscored the need to curb reliance on oil revenue, noting that these projects provide a viable and lucrative alternative, which would subsequently transform Kuwait into a global financial hub.
SCPD member Yousef Al-Essa said that Kuwaiti and Chinese plans not only share common ambitions but also represent a genuine opportunity for economic growth.
On development projects in Kuwait, including the "Silk City" causeway, Al-Essa hoped that the enterprises will be completed in a prompt and efficient manner.
The meeting between the Kuwaiti minister and the Chinese Vice President brought together senior officials from both nations. (Pick up previous) aam.nam