As conflicts continue in the Middle East and the Gulf, Chinese diplomat Wang Yi called on the parties to choose negotiations over gunfire and urgently reduce tensions.
Wang Yi assessed regional and international developments during a meeting in Beijing with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The talks also addressed efforts to ensure stability and security in the Middle East and diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
“The old conflict scenario must not be repeated”
Wang Yi said the region was passing through a critical turning point and that the “old scenario” associated with repeated conflicts must not happen again. The Chinese diplomat said a period of stability and prosperity should begin as soon as possible.
Wang Yi said the negotiating table was the way to resolve differences, regardless of their scale, and noted that problems could not be solved with weapons. He called on all parties to respond positively to the international community’s expectations for peace, prioritize the welfare of the people in the region, and return to dialogue and negotiations as soon as possible.
Wang Yi also said that once steps toward a ceasefire were taken, they should not be reversed. He announced that China was ready to strengthen coordination with Kuwait in efforts to restore regional peace and stability.
Kuwait praises China’s role
Sheikh Jarrah praised Beijing’s “constructive” role in reducing tensions among the United States, Israel and Iran through mediation. The Kuwaiti minister said his country was committed to increasing communication and coordination with China and contributing to the restoration of regional security and stability as soon as possible.
Sheikh Jarrah also said that freedom and security on international maritime transport routes must be protected. Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to the one-China principle, the minister said the country was ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in investment, energy and multilateral affairs.
The Chinese diplomat said Beijing would continue working closely with Kuwait on multilateral platforms and would continue to defend multilateralism and the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.
Wang Yi said he hoped the safety of Chinese citizens in Kuwait, as well as Chinese institutions and projects, would be ensured. Sheikh Jarrah said Kuwait attached great importance to their safety and would continue to provide protection.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kuwait.
