By Marwan Hafez

KUWAIT: Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Hayat affirmed Wednesday that Kuwait–China relations are undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two governments and now being actively implemented. Speaking on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kuwait to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the republic, Hayat noted that Kuwait has taken high-level steps under the directives of its leadership.

A ministerial committee chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait and composed of six ministers, has been formed to follow up on the execution of agreements signed with China. He explained that the projects underway include “large-scale and developmental” initiatives such as the completion of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, renewable energy ventures like Abdaliya and Shagaya, in addition to projects in sanitation, waste management, housing and labor cities. These, he said, represent a new and unique model of direct government-to-government cooperation.

Hayat further emphasized that China has been Kuwait’s top trading partner for eight consecutive years, highlighting Kuwait’s strong trust in China’s wisdom and active role in international forums, including the UN Security Council, particularly in efforts to safeguard regional stability and address global challenges such as climate change. “The successful execution of current projects will open new horizons for future initiatives that will further strengthen bilateral ties and serve the mutual interests of both countries,” he added.

Liu Xiang delivers a keynote speech.

Samih Hayat speaking to the press on the sideline of the event.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Liu Xiang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, praised the historic depth of Kuwait-China relations, calling them the strongest in their history. He recalled that Kuwait was the first Arab Gulf country to establish diplomatic ties with China, describing the relationship as a model of strategic cooperation. Liu highlighted major joint projects — from Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port to renewable energy and housing initiatives — as tangible examples of this partnership. He also underscored the importance of cultural exchange, noting Kuwait’s preparations to inaugurate the Chinese Cultural Center next month.

“China will remain a trustworthy partner and a sincere friend to Kuwait in its path toward achieving Vision 2035,” Liu said, while expressing gratitude to all friends of China who have contributed to advancing bilateral relations. He went on to reflect on China’s achievements since its founding, including becoming the world’s second-largest economy, the largest industrial nation, and a leader in foreign exchange reserves. Liu also noted that China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, representing 75 percent of global poverty reduction in recent decades.

The envoy reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful development and building “a community with a shared future for mankind.” He highlighted Beijing’s continued support for the Palestinian cause, including calls for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions. Liu concluded by outlining President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative — which, he said, have received wide international recognition and contributed to global stability and cooperation.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired on Monday a meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with following up on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the governments of the State of Kuwait and the People’s Republic of China at Bayan Palace.

The 28th meeting reviewed the latest developments on major development projects covered under the memoranda of understanding, including cooperation in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, electrical power systems, renewable energy, low-carbon waste recycling, housing development, environmental infrastructure for wastewater treatment, free and economic zones, as well as environmental protection and desertification control. His Highness directed members of the Ministerial Follow-up Committee, according to their respective jurisdictions, to coordinate with the chairmen of Chinese state-owned companies nominated by the Chinese government and urged them to begin signing contracts for the next phase of construction and development works in Kuwait.

He stressed that the strategic visions and plans for these projects, guided by the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, will lead to significant economic achievements for the country. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and member of the Ministerial Committee, Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat, highlighted that the meeting included presentations of reports from technical committees across relevant ministries overseeing major development projects.

He noted an agreement with the Chinese government to set a date in mid-October for the Ministry of Public Works to sign a contract with a Chinese government company for the Kabd wastewater treatment project. Subsequent dates will be set for other major projects following the completion of technical and environmental studies by the Chinese side. Ambassador Hayat also confirmed that the Kuwaiti government had officially notified its Chinese counterpart to commence contracting procedures for the third and fourth phases of the renewable energy projects in Abdaliya and Shagaya.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister’s Diwan Abdulaziz Dakhil Al-Dakhil; Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah; Minister of Public Works Dr Noura Mohammed Al-Mashaan; Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdullatif Hamed Al-Meshari; Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance Dr Sabeeh Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem; Head of the Fatwa and Legislation Department Counselor Salah Ateeq Al-Majed; and Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ambassador Samih Jawhar Hayat. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Khaled Al-Mughamis reiterated on Thursday the society’s firm commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, stressing that Kuwait’s solidarity with them has been a consistent national stance for decades. Speaking to KUNA following his meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub, Al-Mughamis said KRCS prioritizes coordination with government agencies, local associations and charities to ensure the swift and efficient delivery of humanitarian relief. He noted that the second Kuwaiti relief bridge serves as a model of integrated humanitarian action.

Al-Mughamis added that the meeting reviewed ongoing and future relief projects, underscoring the society’s efforts to strengthen humanitarian partnerships to ease the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in light of the dire conditions in the Gaza Strip. For his part, Ambassador Tahboub praised the vital humanitarian role of KRCS, saying the society has always been at the forefront of institutions extending urgent support to the Palestinian people. He confirmed that coordination with KRCS continues on various levels, particularly with regard to relief efforts for Gaza. The envoy expressed appreciation to Kuwait’s leadership, government and people for their unwavering humanitarian assistance, which reflects the depth of fraternal ties between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Sheikh Abdullah Al-Nouri Charity Society announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support breastfeeding mothers and infants in Gaza by providing hot meals and nutritional supplements amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.

In a press statement, the society said the agreement includes a financial contribution of $1 million, fully dedicated to securing healthy food for the most vulnerable groups. Chairman of the Board of Directors Eng. Jamal Al-Nouri affirmed that the initiative highlights the society’s humanitarian responsibility toward the Palestinian people, particularly mothers and children facing severe health challenges due to food shortages and deteriorating services. Al-Nouri stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships with international organizations to ensure transparency and efficiency in delivering aid. He noted that the project forms part of the society’s broader commitment to assisting afflicted peoples in the region.

For its part, the WFP lauded Kuwait’s generous initiative and praised the pioneering role of Al-Nouri Charity Society as a model of Kuwaiti humanitarian action. The organization noted that the society is the first Kuwaiti charity to cooperate with WFP in supporting Palestinians in Gaza, reflecting international confidence in Kuwait’s institutions and their effectiveness in implementing humanitarian projects. – KUNA