KUWAIT: Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei underscored on Wednesday the growing cooperation between Kuwait and China, particularly in the engineering sector. During a press conference at the inauguration of China’s new embassy headquarters in Mishref, he highlighted that Chinese companies have secured major contracts in Kuwait’s oil and gas, infrastructure, and housing projects, marking a significant expansion of bilateral economic collaboration. Ambassador Zhang expressed hope that this increasing cooperation would align with Kuwait Vision 2035 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The inauguration event was attended by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, senior government officials, and heads of international organizations and diplomatic missions to Kuwait. Minister Al-Yahya congratulated Ambassador Zhang, reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its relations with China, in line with the shared aspirations of both countries’ leaderships.
Ambassador Zhang also reflected on the growing trust and close ties between the two nations, noting the recent high-level visits, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s trip to China in September 2023. This visit led to the signing of multiple agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in various sectors.
Regarding trade, the ambassador highlighted that the value of bilateral trade between Kuwait and China reached $13.13 billion in the first ten months of 2024. He noted that China’s main export to Kuwait is automobiles, while Kuwait remains a vital supplier of oil and gas to China, ranking as the ninth-largest crude oil exporter to the country. Ambassador Zhang also revealed that Chinese investments in Kuwait have reached $720 million, making China one of the largest foreign investors in the country. He further emphasized the importance of cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people exchanges, citing the ongoing initiatives of the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait, such as Chinese language programs and cultural events.
Ambassador Zhang expressed optimism that by 2025, China and Kuwait would continue to deepen their strategic partnership, aligning the BRI with Kuwait Vision 2035, and paving the way for further economic and cultural collaboration. — KUNA