At an event in Hong Kong to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Kuwait’s National Day and the 35th anniversary of the Gulf state’s Liberation Day, Hong Kong’s leader John Lee Ka-chiu said solidifying the growing ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Kuwait is the “natural” way forward amid global uncertainties.
The chief executive of HKSAR made the remarks as the guest of honor at the event, which was held at the Island Shangri-La hotel on Feb 11. Kuwait celebrates its actual National Day on Feb 25 and Liberation Day on Feb 26.
“Given today’s geopolitical instability and growing protectionism, solidifying our growing ties in a fair, open and resilient global economic and trade system is the natural next step for our like-minded economies,” said Lee, as he called Kuwait a “long-standing and important friend of Hong Kong”.
Kuwait, Lee noted, was the first Middle East country with which HKSAR signed an investment promotion and protection agreement, as well as an economic and tangible cooperation agreement, over a decade ago.
“We have since enjoyed harmonious bilateral trade relations and as the (Kuwaiti) consul general noted, I led a high-level and high-profile delegation last May to Kuwait. …that’s the first time I have led a high-level delegation of this scale overseas,” said Lee.
He noted that last year, $138 million in trade between Kuwait and the Chinese mainland “was routed through Hong Kong”. The chief executive also emphasized that cooperation between Hong Kong and Kuwait “is not limited to business and trade”.
“Hong Kong has long been the multilateral bridge between our country, China, and the rest of the world, Kuwait and the Middle East very much included,” said Lee.
“I hope we can soon turn to working toward an FTA (free trade agreement) with Kuwait and the five other countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council,” he added, as he wished the guests “a happy, health, prosperous Year of the Horse”.
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Naser Alghanim, consul general of Kuwait in Hong Kong, began his remarks by expressing condolences and a message of solidarity to the Hong Kong government and the people of Hong Kong over the Tai Po fire tragedy last November.
He said strong attendance at the event held by Kuwaiti consulate reflects the “strong bond of the friendship we share”.
Alghanim acknowledged that Lee’s visit last May “marked a milestone in our bilateral relations”, a trip that saw the Hong Kong leader meet with the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.
Despite global challenges, the consul general noted, Kuwait and Hong Kong have bolstered cooperation, with the ties helping both sides in their economic goals, social development and sustainability.
The envoy fondly recalled how he personally joined Victoria Harbour Race last November, “experiencing the warm welcome of Hong Kong people”.
The consul general also said that Kuwait’s strategic partnership with China and projects under the Belt and Road Initiative would continue.
“Kuwait remains dedicated to the strengthening relations with China, including the Hong Kong and Macao SARs. We will pursue open policy, welcoming every opportunity to expand cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” said Alghanim, as he wished the guests a Happy Chinese New Year.
Guests at the event included Hua You, deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Saudi Arabian Consul General Mazin bin Hamad Alhimali, and the United Arab Emirates Consul General to Hong Kong Shaikh Saoud Ali Almualla.
