KUWAIT, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Hayat underlined Tuesday the depth and strength of exceptional Kuwaiti-Sino relations, which spans more than five decades, marking a model of mutual trust, respect and stability.
The Kuwaiti official made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held by the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait to mark 55 years since Kuwait and China forged their diplomatic relations.
He added that Kuwaiti-Sino relations have deepened over time and witnessed honorable stances, especially in 1990 when China openly stressed its unwavering support for the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait.
Noting the historical roots of bilateral relations, he recalled that bilateral diplomatic ties were forged in 1971, making Kuwait the first Gulf and Arab country to establish diplomatic relations with China and marking a turning point in the relation.
Regarding the bilateral economic partnership, Hayat said that Kuwait is the fifth largest oil provider to the People's Republic of China, which has become Kuwait's top trade partner for the eighth consecutive year.
The comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries has been growing under the direction of both countries' leaderships, citing the Belt and Road Initiative and memoranda of understanding in renewable energy, infrastructure and environmental governance as a clear-cut paradigm in this regard.
The Kuwaiti official said his country looks forward to partaking at the high level in the Arab-Chinese and Gulf-Chinese summits due in Beijing next June, and to hosting the third Arab-Gulf-Chinese summit in 2030.
This reflects shared commitment to promoting strategic dialogue, establishing foundations of collective cooperation and building an integrated partnership system that serves joint security, development and welfare, he added.
For his part, Chinese Ambassador in Kuwait Yang Xin said that bilateral relations are rapidly developing in various fields, as the volume of trade exchange jumped from USD 22 million when relations were forged to USD 18.58 billion in 2025.
He underlined the importance of cooperation in major projects, mainly regarding Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, which contributes to supporting New Kuwait 2035. (end) aa.mt