China, Kuwait agree to establish strategic partnership

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President Xi Jinping on Monday held talks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the Great Hall of the People, and both agreed to establish a strategic partnership between the two countries to inject new impetus into bilateral ties and open up new prospects in the new era.

Welcoming the emir on his seventh visit to China, Xi expressed his appreciation for the important contribution Al-Sabah has made to China-Kuwait ties.

Calling China and Kuwait "tried and true friends," Xi said the two countries have always treated each other equally and with sincerity since they forged diplomatic ties 47 years ago.

China and Kuwait national flags are seen on Tiananmen Square as Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visits China, July 9, 2018. /‍VCG Photo

The depth and width of pragmatic cooperation have been extended and brought benefits to the two peoples, he said.

The world is in a crucial period during which major reforms and adjustments have taken place, said Xi, adding that the aim of China's proposal of building a community with a shared future for humanity is to increase common interests via cooperation and promote world peace via reconciliation, so as to realize win-win cooperation and development among all countries.

China views Kuwait as a key partner in the the Belt and Road Initiative and in maintaining regional peace and stability in the Gulf region, Xi said, calling on both sides to deepen mutual political trust and firmly support each other's core interests.

China will always support Kuwait in choosing a development path suitable for its national conditions, said Xi.

Kuwait was among the first countries to sign an agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative with China.

Xi encouraged both countries to enhance alignment of development strategies, expand cooperation in the areas including energy, infrastructural construction, finance, trade, and investment, intensify people-to-people exchanges, and reinforce security and anti-terrorism cooperation.

China stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Kuwait to forge ahead relations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in a steady way, said Xi.

Al-Sabah, who is on a state visit to China from Saturday to Tuesday, called China "a peace-loving country recognized worldwide" and said Kuwait cherishes its traditional friendship and close cooperation with China.

The emir spoke highly of China upholding fairness and justice in international affairs, saying Kuwait sees China as a trustworthy friend and partner.

He also said Kuwait firmly adheres to the one-China policy.

Saying that he brought "an unprecedentedly large delegation" to China on this visit, the emir expressed the hope that the two countries will consolidate political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation on the basis of mutual trust in a pragmatic spirit.

He said Kuwait is willing to construct the Belt and Road with China so as to promote peace and stability in the Gulf region and the world.

Kuwait National Assembly Building /VCG Photo

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral agreements.

The two countries also issued a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership.

According to the joint statement, the two countries will synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Kuwait Vision 2035 project and work to promote the establishment of a China-GCC free trade area at an early date.

Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcome ceremony for Al-Sabah.

Al-Sabah will attend the opening ceremony of the eighth ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum which is to be held in Beijing on Tuesday.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency