LOC23:47
20:47 GMT
By Fahad Al-Saeed (Interview)
BEIJING, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Ambassador to China Jassim Al-Najim confirmed Wednesday that Kuwaiti-Chinese relations represent a unique model of integration and cooperation that has met the aspirations of the leaderships of both countries since the beginning of diplomatic ties in March 1971.
In an exclusive interview with the (KUNA), Ambassador Al-Najim stated that the strategic partnership established in 2018 inaugurated a new era of constructive cooperation and fruitful friendship.
This partnership has become a key factor in expanding the scope of economic relations, with trade between the two countries reaching approximately (USD 22 billion) in 2023, solidifying China's position as Kuwait's largest trading partner for the ninth consecutive year. This, he noted, is "a living testament to the depth of their economic ties."
Al-Najim added that Kuwait was the first in the Middle East to sign a cooperation document with China under the "Belt and Road Initiative" in June 2014.
He described the initiative, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, as an ambitious plan that reshapes both regional and international cooperation.
Ambassador Al-Najim elaborated that China participates in major and pivotal projects aligned with Kuwait's Vision 2035, such as the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the Shuqaiya Renewable Energy Complex, part of the New Kuwait International Airport, as well as bridges, highways, renewable energy projects, and residential areas.
Additionally, Chinese companies contributed to the construction of the new headquarters of the Central Bank of Kuwait.
He also highlighted the important visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to China in September 2023 (when His Highness was Crown Prince), during which he held official talks with President Xi Jinping.
Which resulted in the signing of seven memorandums of understanding, the first being a joint statement on the five-year plan for bilateral cooperation for the years 2024-2028, and a memorandum on cooperation in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project.
Furthermore, the visit also saw agreements between the Public Authority for Housing Welfare of Kuwait and China's Ministry of Commerce for cooperation in housing development and between Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy and China's National Energy Administration for cooperation in the energy system and renewable energy development.
Additionally, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding between Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works and China's National Development and Reform Commission for cooperation in the environmental infrastructure of wastewater treatment plants, and another between Kuwait Municipality and the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission on launching a low-carbon green system for waste recycling.
The seventh memorandum of understanding was signed between Kuwait's Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and China's Ministry of Commerce regarding cooperation in free zones and economic zones.
On energy, Ambassador Al-Najim commended China's global leadership in renewable energy, noting its role as a key partner in Kuwait's renewable energy projects, especially in the Shuqaiya Renewable Energy Plant.
Chinese companies, with their advanced technology and expertise in solar panels and wind turbines, will support Kuwait's vision for a transition to clean energy.
He further noted that Kuwait is the first country in the Middle East to have complete 5G network coverage, thanks to Chinese telecom companies that have expertise in this field.
He added that Kuwait could benefit from Chinese expertise in developing 6G networks, especially as China leads the global race in communications.
Regarding digitization and the smart government agenda, Ambassador Al-Najim mentioned that Kuwait and China are working on joint projects in digital technology, such as enhancing IT infrastructure and adopting artificial intelligence technologies.
Kuwait has sought Chinese expertise in digitalization and cloud computing to achieve the goals of Kuwait Vision 2035.
A memorandum of understanding on enhancing cooperation in the digital economy between the two countries was signed in May, which will further strengthen technological collaboration.
He emphasized that Kuwait Vision 2035 provides opportunities for increased and expanded bilateral cooperation with China, especially as the future vision aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative.
China possesses advanced technologies in many fields, enabling Kuwait to benefit from Chinese expertise in various projects.
On the economic and trade front, Al-Najim explained that discussions continue between Kuwait and China on establishing a joint free trade area, as part of Kuwait's efforts to benefit from the Belt and Road Initiative.
The two sides have signed a memorandum of understanding through the (KDIPA) and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to cooperate on free zones and economic areas, reflecting both sides' management of economic cooperation through joint investments in economic zones.
In terms of cultural cooperation, Ambassador Al-Najim noted significant growth in student exchanges, aided by bilateral agreements and scholarship programs.
Chinese universities offer diverse and advanced specializations, especially in recent years.
The Chinese government encourages foreign students to study and participate in cultural and scientific exchanges, and Kuwait supports its students through various scholarship programs to enhance academic cooperation between the two countries.
He also mentioned the opening of China's first cultural center in Kuwait in September 2023 in Salmiya, and the signing of an agreement in May to establish a smart classroom for teaching Chinese language between Kuwait University and China's International Exchange Center for Language Education.
Regarding China's position on the Federal Iraqi Court's ruling to annul the 2012 Khour Abdullah Agreement between Kuwait and Iraq, the Ambassador stated that China emphasizes the importance of respecting existing international agreements and ensuring regional cooperation to achieve security and stability.
He added that China always advocates for resolving border disputes peacefully, respecting national sovereignty, and upholding good neighborly relations.
On security and military cooperation, he noted that the bilateral cooperation is developing significantly, focusing on training and information exchange to address security challenges such as combating terrorism. He further emphasized that China could contribute its technological expertise to strengthen Kuwait's cybersecurity. (end)
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