China-Kuwait cooperation to yield more results: Chinese ambassador

KUWAIT CITY -- The deep-rooted relations between China and Kuwait was strong over 2020, a very exceptional year for the world, Li Minggang, Chinese ambassador to Kuwait, said on Monday.

The ambassador's speech came at a virtual press conference held by the Chinese embassy in Kuwait on the occasion of the new year of 2021.

"In 2020, China and Kuwait have been cooperating in various areas. In the crucial time to combat the coronavirus pandemic in China, the Kuwaiti side donated medical supplies worth of 3 million U.S. dollars to China," he said.

"Kuwait later imported medical supplies from China. Both sides have organized several virtual meetings between medical experts. In addition, China sent medical experts to Kuwait despite the repercussions of the pandemic," the ambassador noted.

In 2020, the value of trade between China and Kuwait has reached 14.29 billion U.S. dollars, and China imported 25 million tonnes of crude oil from Kuwait, he said.

On the commercial level, the ambassador said that the Chinese companies have overcome many difficulties and completed several projects to support the Kuwaiti economic recovery.

He revealed that the work on establishing the Chinese Cultural Center in Kuwait, which will contribute to promoting the people-to-people exchanges, is progressing smoothly.

Touching upon the Belt and Road Initiative, Li said that China will accelerate the pace of work on establishing the bridge to link the world with the international market.

"The Chinese domestic and international market will be better, and the establishment of a new open economic system at a higher level will bring more opportunities for cooperation between China and other countries of the world, including Kuwait," the ambassador said.

The year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait, Li said, noting that China and Kuwait have exchanged support and cooperation in many fields in the past half-century.

As part of the endeavors to celebrate the anniversary, the Chinese embassy in Kuwait will hold a series of events, including the 50th Anniversary Logo Design Competition, Li noted.