China, Kuwait sign agreements to step up ties

BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Kuwait signed
five agreements here on Sunday in an effort to further the bilateral relations
to a higher level.

The agreements covered fields of energy, finance, telecommunication, transportation and education, according a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and visiting Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah review the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on May 10, 2009. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
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However, the press release does not give details
about the agreements, only emphasizing they are among the positive steps to push
foreword the bilateral relations.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Kuwaiti Emir
Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah witnessed the signing ceremony after
they conferred on the bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

During the talks, Hu highlighted the growth of the
relations since the two countries forged diplomatic 38 years ago and offered a
three-point proposal to cement the bilateral cooperation in the various fields.

He called on the two sides to cement political mutual
trust and maintain the high-level exchange and give a full play to their
economic edges.

Hu suggested the two countries expand their energy
cooperation, saying that China is willing to work closely with the Kuwaiti side
to establish a long-term and strategic partnership with mutual benefit in the
regard of energy, the press release added.

The Chinese President also proposed to promote the
bilateral cooperation in other fields such as trade, transportation,
telecommunication and engineering, promising that China will encourage its
enterprises to invest in and establish their businesses in Kuwait.

Agreeing with Hu's views on the bilateral relations,
Emir Al-Sabah said that Kuwait highly values and regards its relations with
China as one of the most important foreign relations.

Kuwait is committed to fostering its friendly and
cooperative relations with China based on the mutual understanding and trust,
Emir Al-Sabah said, calling on the two to intensify their exchange and
cooperation on international and regional issues.

The two heads of the state also exchanged views on
such issues as Middle East, the press release added.

As Hu's guest, Emir Al-Sabah arrived in Beijing on
Sunday afternoon, starting his four-day state visit to China from May 10 to
13.