Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi on Tuesday called for closer cooperation between China and Kuwait to push forward the bilateral ties to a higher level when meeting with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Starting on Friday, Yang is on a five-day visit to Qatar, Uganda, Zambia and Kuwait.

Noting the year marks the 60th anniversary of Kuwait National Day and the 30th anniversary of Kuwait Liberation Day, Yang hailed the time-proven relationship between the two countries, which relies deeply on strategic mutual trust and candid friendship.

Yang assured Nawaf that China's new development pattern of "dual circulation" provides huge cooperation potential for the country to integrate its "Vision 2035."

He said that China is willing to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust and foster cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as well as in epidemic prevention and control.

Speaking highly of Kuwait's active role in stabilizing the Gulf area, the senior Chinese diplomat hopes the two sides could enhance communication and coordination on international and regional affairs.

China welcomed Kuwait to continue playing a positive role in pushing forward the negotiation on China-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Area, noted Yang, adding that China is ready to deepen the strategic partnership with Kuwait.

Nawaf, for his part, highly praised the fruitful achievement in bilateral cooperation. Hailing the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries, he also extended full confidence on the prospect for bilateral cooperation.

He sincerely wished the Chinese people, under Chinese President Xi Jinping's leadership, the country will continue achieving more splendid progress in national development.