Outgoing ambassador Jianwei gets bided adieu in an official leaving ceremony at the Chinese Embassy.
In bidin' farewell to his tenure as the Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Zhang Jianwei, officials and dignitaries gathered to recognize his efforts in boosting bilateral relations.
At a send-off celebration co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy and the Deanship of the Diplomatic Corps, Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ambassador H.E. Samih Johar Hayat, commended Ambassador Zhang for his tireless work in advancing cooperation between the two countries.
During the occasion, Hayat lauded Zhang's frequent meetings, often happening multiple times a week, focusing on strategic projects like the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the Shagaya renewable energy initiative, and four other significant initiatives aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035.
The event, boasting a powerful turnout of senior Kuwaiti officials, foreign diplomats, and high-profile attendees, signified the mighty and evolving strategic partnership between Kuwait and China — a partnership held together by consistent cooperation, joint development efforts, and shared long-term aspirations.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Zhang Jianwei reflected on the fruitful advancements in Kuwait-China relations over the past three years, with a particular focus on the execution of agreements ratified by the leaders of both nations. He stressed that projects like the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port are making impressive strides due to the close bilateral collaboration.
The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, according to Zhang, is currently in the design and construction phase. He expressed optimism about the project's future, acknowledging that ambitious infrastructure initiatives of this nature typically require a few years to complete. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the robust partnership between China and Kuwait would ensure a pomp and prosperous execution.
His Excellency Dr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan, also paid tribute to the outgoing Chinese envoy, acknowledging his efforts in fostering bilateral relations.
Ambassador Hayat underscored that the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China are moving forward steadily. He emphasized the continuous communication, consultation, and collaboration between the two governments — both with the Chinese leadership and the Chinese ambassador to Kuwait — on a daily basis.
He highlighted the broad attendance, which included several senior officials, diplomats, and notables such as the President of the Supreme Judicial Council and the Court of Cassation, Counselor Dr. Adel Bouresli; Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Engineer Noura Al-Fassam; and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Sabah.
Hayat pointed out that six major development initiatives, commonly known as the "Mega Projects," are currently underway through direct government-to-government cooperation with Chinese companies. He stressed that the implementation of these projects, along with other agreements inked with China, receive keen attention from His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, and relevant ministers.
He further disclosed that periodic daily reports are submitted to the country's leadership regarding every step taken in cooperation with China, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.
Regarding China's recent initiative to exempt Kuwaiti citizens from obtaining visas for a year, Hayat clarified that this proposal is part of ongoing negotiations. A previous agreement signed in 2014 already exempts Chinese holders of diplomatic, special, official, and service passports from visa requirements, while Kuwaiti diplomatic and special passport holders enjoy reciprocal benefits.
He noted that during a meeting between His Highness the Crown Prince and the Chinese Premier on the sidelines of the recent GCC-ASEAN-China Summit, the Premier expressed China's intention to exempt Kuwaiti citizens from visa requirements on a trial basis.
Kuwait is currently analyzing the proposal with the intention of drafting a memorandum of understanding to regulate exemptions for holders of ordinary passports, a task requiring sustained diplomatic and technical effort.
In addition to these "Mega Projects," Kuwait is also working on other large-scale projects like the $4.3 billion Mega Airport, though this project is not specifically highlighted as part of the government-to-government cooperation with China.
These projects demonstrate a growing alliance intended to strengthen economic and strategic bonds between the two nations.
[1] Enrichment Data: The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project is a large-scale venture requiring detailed feasibility studies. The project is progressing smoothly due to close cooperation between the two countries.
[2] Enrichment Data: China has won a contract to build a large solar power park at the Shagaya complex, aiming to generate 4,800 megawatts of electricity by 2028, contributing significantly to Kuwait's renewable energy targets.
[3] Enrichment Data: Beyond the "Mega Projects," Kuwait and China are expanding their cooperation in various sectors such as energy, investment, green economy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence. This collaboration includes aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with Kuwait Vision 2035.
[4] Enrichment Data: Sources indicate that the Shagaya renewable energy complex project will also include wind power and battery storage facilities, contributing to Kuwait's sustainability goals.
[5] Enrichment Data: While not specifically named as part of the "Mega Projects," the $4.3 billion Mega Airport, one of Kuwait's most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, is also expected to enhance the nation's economic and strategic position. Notably, this project is not specifically highlighted as part of the government-to-government cooperation with China in the base article.
- The Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port project, a large-scale venture requiring detailed feasibility studies, is progressing smoothly due to close cooperation between China and Kuwait.
- In addition to the "Mega Projects," Kuwait and China are expanding their cooperation in various sectors such as renewable energy, aiming to contribute significantly to Kuwait's sustainability goals through projects like the Shagaya renewable energy complex that will also include wind power and battery storage facilities.
