China, Kuwait eye closer friendship, cooperation(2)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (2nd L) holds talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Beijing, capital of China, June 3, 2014. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

During Tuesday's talks, Li said he hopes Kuwait will help to restart and complete the FTA talks between China and the GCC, as well as contribute to the growth of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) and the strategic cooperation between China and Arab countries.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said Kuwait is committed to the development of the ties with China, willing to increase high-level visits between the two countries and boost cooperation in various areas with a view to shared development.

China is a good friend of Arab states and the Kuwaiti side appreciates China's constructive role in international and regional affairs, said the visiting prime minister, adding that the Kuwaiti side will continue playing an active part in promoting the relationship between China and Arab states as well as between China and the GCC.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a string of bilateral deals, involving trade, finance, energy and aviation.

Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah arrived in Beijing on Monday for a four-day official visit to China at Li's invitation. The Kuwaiti prime minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the sixth CASCF ministerial meeting slated for Thursday.