BEIJING:
Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber
Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah
Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said he had 'crucial and strategic' talks with senior Chinese
officials that serve both countries. This came in a press release sent by the
Kuwaiti Embassy in China yesterday at the wrapping-up of Sheikh Nasser Sabah's
week-long official visit to China.

He voiced much
thanks and appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice-Premier of the
State Council of the People's Republic of China, Han Xiang and other senior
officials for warm welcome, hospitality and the friendly atmosphere in which
strategic talks were held. He spoke highly of Beijing's constant objective and
fair positions, along with unyielding coordination with Kuwait at the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC), while voicing satisfaction with the upgrading
of bilateral historical relations to the level of strategic comprehensive
partnership.

The senior
Kuwaiti official pointed out the essential progress of political, economic,
investment and trade cooperation between both sides, especially following the
signing of a strategic comprehensive partnership deal. He further extolled
China's involvement in a set of major development projects carried out in
Kuwait, in addition to its interest in the country's planned northern titanic
enterprises. However, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad underlined that it is
indispensable to promote China's direct investments, mainly in infrastructure
and technology projects, while expressing confidence that the outcomes of his
Beijing tour would serve both countries' mutual interests.

'Totally
successful'

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti
Ambassador in Beijing Sameeh Johar Hayat hailed the visit as being 'totally
successful,' reflecting the strategic depth and matching the level of
Kuwaiti-Sino historical bonds.He was quoted in the embassy's release as noting
mutual willingness to cement and beef up strategic partnership ties which were
given a strong push during a state visit by His Highness the Amir to China in
July. He acclaimed the mutual consultation and coordination approach adopted by
both nations' leaderships as having become effective and momentous.

Underlining
practical cooperation between both countries, the ambassador quoted Chinese
leaders as viewing Kuwait as a key strategic partner in political, economic,
trade, investment, cultural and security realms. "During meetings with
Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, China's political leadership stressed that Kuwait
is a significant, key and influential country in Middle East and Arab Gulf due
to His Highness the Amir's major role in keeping the region secure and
stable," he said.

The Kuwaiti
defense minister began his official visit to China on December 15, during which
he handed a written letter from His Highness the Amir to Chinese president Xi
Jinping. He held talks with Vice-Premier of the State Council of the People's
Republic of China Han Xiang, on means of bolstering cooperation and strategic
partnership between the two countries. Sheikh Nasser Sabah also participated in
Beijing dialogue forum highlighting New Kuwait Vision 2035.During his stay in
Beijing, the Kuwaiti official also toured Yangshan Port. Furthermore, Sheikh
Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad received on Saturday China head and members of the
Kuwaiti military bureau in China.

New route to
Guangzhou in China

In other news,
Kuwait Airways announced yesterday it would be operating flights to the Chinese
city of Guangzhou as for its flights schedule during summer. The national
carrier in a statement confirmed its keenness on providing new routes that meet
the growing demand for long and medium term destinations. Kuwait Airways is the
oldest in the Arabian Gulf region. It was established in 1953 under the name of
Kuwait National Airways Ltd. The Government of Kuwait bought the carrier in
1962. - KUNA