China, Kuwait pledge to step up economic co-op

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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 30 (Xinhua): Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah agreed to expand economic and energy cooperation between the two countries during their meeting here yesterday.
"China and Kuwait should form a lasting, stable and comprehensive partnership concerning the energy area," Li told the Kuwaiti prime minister, according to a press release from the Chinese foreign ministry.
Li said the two sides should deepen cooperation in the energy industries and study ways of joint exploration of both upstream and downstream industries.
He called on both sides to expand cooperation on infrastructure and telecommunication, increase contacts of people, and promote exchanges in the areas of finance, agriculture, science and technology and culture, in a bid to jointly respond to the change of global economic environment.
Li also said China always sees its relations from a strategic perspective with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its six members, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
China is willing to further high level visits, enhance political mutual trust, broaden substantial cooperation and promote peace and stability in the Gulf region, Li said.