国内英语新闻:China, Kuwait sign agreements to step up ties

BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Kuwait signed five agreements here on Sunday in an effort to further the bilateral relations to a higher level.

    The agreements covered fields of energy, finance, telecommunication, transportation and education, according a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

However, the press release does not give details about the agreements, only emphasizing they are among the positive steps to push foreword the bilateral relations.

    Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah witnessed the signing ceremony after they conferred on the bilateral ties and other issues of common concern.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) and visiting Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah review the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on May 10, 2009

    During the talks, Hu highlighted the growth of the relations since the two countries forged diplomatic 38 years ago and offered a three-point proposal to cement the bilateral cooperation in the various fields.

    He called on the two sides to cement political mutual trust and maintain the high-level exchange and give a full play to their economic edges.

    Hu suggested the two countries expand their energy cooperation, saying that China is willing to work closely with the Kuwaiti side to establish a long-term and strategic partnership with mutual benefit in the regard of energy, the press release added.

    The Chinese President also proposed to promote the bilateral cooperation in other fields such as trade, transportation, telecommunication and engineering, promising that China will encourage its enterprises to invest in and establish their businesses in Kuwait.

    Agreeing with Hu's views on the bilateral relations, Emir Al-Sabah said that Kuwait highly values and regards its relations with China as one of the most important foreign relations.

    Kuwait is committed to fostering its friendly and cooperative relations with China based on the mutual understanding and trust, Emir Al-Sabah said, calling on the two to intensify their exchange and cooperation on international and regional issues.

    The two heads of the state also exchanged views on such issues as Middle East, the press release added.

    As Hu's guest, Emir Al-Sabah arrived in Beijing on Sunday afternoon, starting his four-day state visit to China from May 10 to 13.