Ambassador: Amir's visit to further boost China-Kuwait ties

The state visit of Kuwait's amir to China, which started Saturday, represents a new flourishing period of relations between the two countries, Kuwaiti Ambassador to China Samih Johar Hayat said.

Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's visit will cement the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides, he said. "The Kuwaiti-Chinese ties are deep-rooted and strong," he said.

The amir leads the highest-level delegation in history since the first visit to China that was made by Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1965, the ambassador pointed out.

The two countries will sign a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding in varied fields that will be added to the 50 inked over the past 50 years, he said.

The amir will be a guest of honor at the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum as the first Arab leader to deliver a speech with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the ambassador said.

On the Belt and Road Initiative, Hayat reiterated the importance of strengthening economic ties between the two countries and reviving the ancient Silk Road, which will contribute to the world economy.

Hayat affirmed that Kuwait's participation in the Silk Road project shows the amir's strategic vision of aiming to transform the country into a financial, commercial, cultural, regional and international hub.

Reviving the Silk Road project will help Kuwait restore its leading role in the commercial and economic fields in the region as it enjoys a distinct geographic location, Hayat said.

The ambassador said that there is a consensus between the Kuwait 2035 vision and the Belt and Road Initiative to revive the Silk Road and establish a vital commercial area that serves other countries by land and sea, and to contribute to the prosperity of the world economy.

Hayat said senior Chinese officials are showing full and clear cooperation on how to benefit economically from Kuwaiti islands. Kuwait was the first Arab and Gulf country seeking to sign an MOU on promoting cooperation with China on the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.