China, Kuwait pledge cooperation during global financial crisis

Chinese Premier Wen Jiaobao (R) meets
with Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah in Beijing,
capital of China, May 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)
Photo Gallery

BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Kuwait pledged
to work together to deal with the global financial crisis during a meeting
between Premier Wen Jiabao and Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber
al-Sabah on Monday.

Al-Sabah is on his first visit to China since he
became Emir of Kuwait in 2006.

Kuwait was the first Gulf Arab
country to forge diplomatic ties with China. Wen called the bilateral ties
"solid" and cooperation "fruitful".

Chinese Premier Wen Jiaobao (L) meets
with Kuwait Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah in Beijing,
capital of China, May 11, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)
Photo Gallery

He said that nations with different social systems
and cultural backgrounds could benefit from cooperation as long as they
respected each other.

Wen stressed China valued traditional friendship with
the Arab countries and supported their efforts to safeguard country's
sovereignty, independence and dignity.

Al-Sabah said his visit showed Kuwait's desire to
develop relations with China, vowing to build a long-term, stable, and
sustainable relationship.

He also emphasized the coordination between the two
countries on international issues and issues concerning the Gulf and the Arab
region.