BEIJING:Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser SabahAl-Ahmad Al-Sabah said he had 'crucial and strategic' talks with senior Chineseofficials that serve both countries. This came in a press release sent by theKuwaiti Embassy in China yesterday at the wrapping-up of Sheikh Nasser Sabah'sweek-long official visit to China.
He voiced muchthanks and appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice-Premier of theState Council of the People's Republic of China, Han Xiang and other seniorofficials for warm welcome, hospitality and the friendly atmosphere in whichstrategic talks were held. He spoke highly of Beijing's constant objective andfair positions, along with unyielding coordination with Kuwait at the UnitedNations Security Council (UNSC), while voicing satisfaction with the upgradingof bilateral historical relations to the level of strategic comprehensivepartnership.
The seniorKuwaiti official pointed out the essential progress of political, economic,investment and trade cooperation between both sides, especially following thesigning of a strategic comprehensive partnership deal. He further extolledChina's involvement in a set of major development projects carried out inKuwait, in addition to its interest in the country's planned northern titanicenterprises. However, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad underlined that it isindispensable to promote China's direct investments, mainly in infrastructureand technology projects, while expressing confidence that the outcomes of hisBeijing tour would serve both countries' mutual interests.
'Totallysuccessful'
Meanwhile, KuwaitiAmbassador in Beijing Sameeh Johar Hayat hailed the visit as being 'totallysuccessful,' reflecting the strategic depth and matching the level ofKuwaiti-Sino historical bonds.He was quoted in the embassy's release as notingmutual willingness to cement and beef up strategic partnership ties which weregiven a strong push during a state visit by His Highness the Amir to China inJuly. He acclaimed the mutual consultation and coordination approach adopted byboth nations' leaderships as having become effective and momentous.
Underliningpractical cooperation between both countries, the ambassador quoted Chineseleaders as viewing Kuwait as a key strategic partner in political, economic,trade, investment, cultural and security realms. "During meetings withSheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, China's political leadership stressed that Kuwaitis a significant, key and influential country in Middle East and Arab Gulf dueto His Highness the Amir's major role in keeping the region secure andstable," he said.
The Kuwaitidefense minister began his official visit to China on December 15, during whichhe handed a written letter from His Highness the Amir to Chinese president XiJinping. He held talks with Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People'sRepublic of China Han Xiang, on means of bolstering cooperation and strategicpartnership between the two countries. Sheikh Nasser Sabah also participated inBeijing dialogue forum highlighting New Kuwait Vision 2035.During his stay inBeijing, the Kuwaiti official also toured Yangshan Port. Furthermore, SheikhNasser Sabah Al-Ahmad received on Saturday China head and members of theKuwaiti military bureau in China.
New route toGuangzhou in China
In other news,Kuwait Airways announced yesterday it would be operating flights to the Chinesecity of Guangzhou as for its flights schedule during summer. The nationalcarrier in a statement confirmed its keenness on providing new routes that meetthe growing demand for long and medium term destinations. Kuwait Airways is theoldest in the Arabian Gulf region. It was established in 1953 under the name ofKuwait National Airways Ltd. The Government of Kuwait bought the carrier in1962. - KUNA