Today, China celebrates its 45th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relationship with Kuwait. These diplomatic and friendly relations over the time get stronger in the fields of politics, economy and culture. For last 35 years, I have witnessed smooth development of this relationship and had observed the major events of this bilateral diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.

Kuwait was the first country among the Gulf countries who has established the diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level with China back in March 22, 1971. Over the time both countries have proved their stronger bilateral relations in several fields and have signed several trade and economic agreements with each other. Both countries are still striving hard to further expand their bilateral relations.

China enormously respects Kuwait's support 'One China Policy'. Kuwait considers one China, whereas, China respects Kuwait's Sovereignty, Freedom and Territorial integrity of the country. China has practically demonstrated its support towards Kuwait at time of Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August, 1990. I remember, during July 1991, Prime Minister, Li Peng-then Prime Minister of China has personally visited Kuwait and has congratulated the Kuwait's leadership of their liberation. Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah during his visit to China in 2009 has also signed a number of strategic energy partnership agreements with China.

In 2014, Kuwait Investment Authority was considered one of the biggest investment companies, worth $2.5 billion of investment in public marketing in China. Kuwait and China Investment Company was established in 2005 with an initial investment of KD 80 million. KPC has established its office in China in 2005. KPC has exported 1.60 million tons of oil in 2005 which is over the time increased to 14.4 million tons in 2015. China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) and Kuwait Petroleum Corp has signed agreement to build a $9.3 billion joint refining and petrochemical complex in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. Bilateral trade volume among the countries based on 2014 figures stood more than $12.5 billion.

Kuwait has also established its consulate generals in Hong Kong and in Guangzhou provinces in China. On the other hand, a number of Chinese constructions, engineering and services companies are working in different sectors of the Kuwait economy. Chinese telecommunication companies are currently working on several projects in Kuwait. Kuwait has also responded well and by providing the financing 33 mega projects in China. On the cultural front, several cultural performers have visited and performed in Kuwait several times.

China and Kuwait friendship becomes stronger over the time as their size and volume of their interaction in several fields increased. China and its own local embassy may further broaden and deepen this bilateral cooperation in several fields as chine is one of the growing power engines of world economy.

By Javaid Ahmed