Hangzhou – Kuwait and China have solidified their collaboration by signing seven memorandums of understanding (MoUs) focused on significant construction projects.
The agreements were formalized during the visit of Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Hangzhou, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games. The Kuwait News Agency reported on the signing of the MoUs.
This meeting marked the second encounter between Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal and President Xi since the Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit for Cooperation and Development, held in December in Saudi Arabia. The visit to China was deemed “very important” by Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister Saad Al-Barrak, as it coincided with the government’s efforts to update its 2035 vision.
One of the key agreements focuses on the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. Al-Barrak stated that approximately 50 percent of the first phase of the port’s construction has been completed, and the aim is to finalize the remaining work swiftly to commence operations. China’s expertise in construction, management, and port operations is highly regarded, thus prompting the signing of the MoU. Discussions on the execution of the project will continue.
The other agreements cover various projects, including renewable energy initiatives, the establishment of a low-carbon recycling green system, water treatment station infrastructure, and the development of economic and free zones. Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Jassem Al-Ostad, highlighted that the crown prince has instructed the construction of renewable energy stations to ensure the provision of clean and affordable energy, in line with Kuwait’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Additionally, an MoU was signed to outline the development of advanced housing cities in Kuwait, forming part of the government’s initiative to provide housing support for citizens.
During the visit, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal and President Xi discussed avenues for expanding bilateral relations. President Xi acknowledged Kuwait’s status as the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic ties with China in 1971 and commended the Kuwait Fund’s contribution in providing loans to China during the 1980s.
Furthermore, the crown prince held a meeting with executives from Huawei to strengthen Kuwait’s partnership with the company in the fields of information technology and communication services. The discussions aimed to explore potential collaborations and advancements in these sectors.
The signing of these agreements reflects the commitment of Kuwait and China to deepen their cooperation and foster mutually beneficial projects. The construction projects and initiatives outlined in the MoUs hold the potential to drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and facilitate sustainable development in Kuwait.
