China Is in the Mind of Every Arab and Muslim

By+staff+reporter+IBTISSEM+MOULAI

CHINA has a strong relationship with Kuwait， characterized by continuous improvements and mutual respect. To shed more light on these relations， China Today sat down with Kuwaits Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh.

China Today： Before we go into the details of bilateral relations between China and Kuwait， what are your impressions of China as an ambassador for the State of Kuwait in Beijing？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： China is in the mind of every Arab and Muslim， because it is an ancient civilization with a long tradition of friendship with the Arab world. I have found China to be a welldeveloped country， both culturally and economically. The Chinese people demonstrate the merits of hard and fruitful work. I have visited many Chinese cities， and I am always impressed by the friendly people and the beautiful scenery.

China Today： How do you see the history of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： Official diplomatic relations between the State of Kuwait and the Peoples Republic of China were established in 1971， and Kuwait was the first country in the Gulf region to establish full diplomatic relations with the PRC. Since then， the two countries have developed closer relations and cooperation based on mutual respect and genuine friendship.

China Today： As you mentioned， Kuwait is the first Gulf state to recognize New China and support its legitimate stands on foreign affairs. China has expressed many historically significant positions with respect to Kuwait and its sovereignty. How have political relations evolved between the two countries？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： Kuwait supports and endorses Chinas fair foreign policy without reservation， and the Kuwaiti people can never forget Chinas firm support during the Gulf War of 1990-1991. The Chinese government and people have stood up for Kuwaits sovereignty and helped preserve its independence and legitimacy.

China Today： This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Sino-Arab States Cooperation Forum， which is expected to sign a series of agreements between China and the Arab world. What is the most important agreement that Kuwait hopes to clinch with China during the Forum？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： The Sino-Arab States Cooperation Forum is a fundamental platform for Arab-Chinese cooperation in all fields. During the past 10 years the forum has made significant achievements in improving relations between the two sides. We have a long history of friendly cooperation with China， but hope to develop closer relations and expand our future horizons through cooperation and exchanges in new areas.

China Today： China is an important trading partner of Kuwait. In which areas do the two countries hope to open up new opportunities for future economic cooperation？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： Kuwait and China have a sincere desire to strengthen bilateral trade， which stood at US $5.12 billion dollars in 2012.Undoubtedly， there are new areas and opportunities to increase the volume of trade between the two countries in the future.

China Today： Bilateral relations have leapt forward in recent years， especially in cultural， humanitarian and scientific fields. How are China and Kuwait promoting cooperation in these areas？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： There are already noticeable activities in people-to-people exchanges and cultural and scientific cooperation. Cultural exchanges are ongoing throughout the year， and we have signed agreements to increase cooperation in the fields of education， especially between the Kuwait University and its Chinese peers.

China Today： What are your expectations for the future of relations between China and Kuwait？

Mohammed Saleh Ahmed Al-Thuwaikh： The relationship between Kuwait and China has a bright future， as the two countries have a long history of friendship， cooperation and common interests.