Special envoy of the Chinese government and minister of Foreign Affairs, Li Zhaoxing, arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday to mourn the passing of late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

 

On behalf of the Chinese government, Li offered his condolences to Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and other members of the ruling family and cabinet.

 

Li praised the late emir for achieving comprehensive development in Kuwait and helping the Gulf state to obtain a remarkable status on the regional and international stage.

 

He also highlighted the late emir's efforts to promote Kuwait-China relations, hoping that bilateral ties would develop further.

 

Sheikh Sabah expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government, adding that the Kuwaiti government is willing to boost cooperation with China in all fields.

 

Li arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday morning from Nigeria, and left for Libya to continue his current African tour.

 

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber died on Sunday morning at the age of 78. 

 

The Kuwaiti cabinet on Sunday appointed Crown Prince Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah the new emir of the oil-rich kingdom.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2006)