China encourages bilateral talks to solve Kuwait-Iraq pending issues
9/27/2009
KUWAIT, Sept 27 (KUNA) -- China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, encourages bilateral talks between Kuwait and Iraq to resolve pending issues between them, said Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Huang Jeimin on Sunday.
"China is keen on maintaining the sovereignty of Kuwait and the unity of its territories as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China encourages bilateral talks between Kuwait and Iraq to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides for pending issues between them," the ambassador said at a press conference on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China, coinciding October 1.
He described Kuwaits demands for compensations from the Iraqi side as being "legitimate and understandable, because the destruction of lives and property that came with the invasion (of Kuwait in 1990) was great." Emphasizing the importance of bilateral talks, under the umbrella of the UN Security Council, Jeimin noted the recently announced Kuwaiti proposal for investments in Iraq as part of compensations.
"This is a new stance for Kuwait, and this is precisely why bilateral talks are important because they help the two sides arrive at a solution that is accepted by them both." On bilateral relations between Kuwait and Beijing, the ambassador noted that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with his country, 38 years ago, and said that the two countries "are bound by a traditional and deep-rooted friendship." Under the wise leaderships of the two countries, friendship and cooperation between Kuwait and China have witnessed constant development in the fields of politics, economy, commerce, energy, education and others, he said.
"The two sides continue to exchange views and support on vital interests, and cooperate very well on regional and international matters," the ambassador added.
China "strongly supports" Kuwaits efforts to maintain its independence and sovereignty, while Kuwait presents "valuable support" to China in matter of importance, such as Taiwan and human rights, Jeimin noted.
High-level visits have also served to boost ties; Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang visited Kuwait in late 2008, and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah made a State Visit to China in May 2009.
During the Kuwaiti leaders visit, six agreements and memorandums of understanding were signed in the fields of energy, education, communication, sports and finance.
"Cooperation between the two sides is constantly expanding," the ambassador noted. Bilateral trade exchange was at USD 6.78 billion in 2008, but dropped to USD 2.3 billion in the first half of 2009 due to the global economic crisis.
"I believe that the numbers will increase with the improvement of global economic conditions," he said.
As for oil exports, he said Kuwait was Chinas seventh largest oil exporter with 5.9 million tons of imported crude per year.
"At present, negotiations are ongoing between oil companies in the two countries to establish a large oil refinery in southern China, and the two sides have reached positive results," he added.
The ambassador also highlighted that the facilitated loans presented by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) since 1982 to date, amounting to USD 820 million, were used to finance more than 30 large and medium projects in infrastructure, petrochemical, construction materials, mining, agriculture, irrigation, environmental protection, and others.
"This has contributed to economic and social development in the central and western regions of China," he said, while noting that in return, Beijing encouraged Chinese companies to invest in ventures in Kuwait.
More than ten Chinese companies are working in the Gulf state at present, mostly in infrastructure, communications and petroleum engineering.
"Soon, Chinas oil company will begin exporting and operating several oil rigs in Kuwaiti oil fields," he added.
Moreover, he said the fifth meeting of the Kuwaiti-Chinese joint committee would be held in November, while the Chinese cultural minister was expected to visit Kuwait in December.
"China is very interested in developing its relations and boosting cooperation with Kuwait in different areas, and stands ready to work with Kuwait on the basis of mutual respect and interests," he said.
On Chinese-GCC relations, the ambassador noted that trade exchange between his country and the six states was at USD 80 billion in 2008, which accounted for 70 percent of total trade with all Arab states.
"China seeks to further strengthen relations and strategic dialogue with GCC states and Kuwait is an important country in the region and has been helping China boost its relations with the GCC," he said.
He also said his country was working to improve its relations with Arab and African nations through cooperation forums, which he said were "important dialogue podiums." On Irans nuclear dossier, the ambassador said that Beijing was following this matter closely and that it hoped that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would be able to resolve this issue with the cooperation of Tehran.
He also hoped that the upcoming talks between the P5+1 and Iran on October 1 would witness progress.
As for whether China was for imposing further sanctions on Iran should it not comply with international resolution, he said, "It is too soon to be speaking of such matters." Concluding with remarks about the celebrations that China will be holding on the occasion of the 60th founding of the republic, he said that a series of huge celebrations would be held on October 1, including a big military parade, cultural festivities, and a fireworks festival in Beijing.
The celebrations will be broadcast live at 4:00 a.m., Kuwait local time.
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