On May 23, 2006, Kuwaiti Emir (head of state) Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Muhammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah met respectively with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was on an official visit to Kuwait.

Sabah and Nasser said that the friendly exchanges between both peoples go back to ancient times and the two countries are friends that treat each other sincerely. Kuwait appreciates China for upholding justice in international affairs and playing an important role in promoting world peace and thanks for China's precious support in all aspects for a long period of time. Both sides are developing nations and share lots of common interest. Kuwait attaches great importance to relations with China and will continue to sincerely commit to developing bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in all areas. Kuwait will as always resolutely pursue the one-China policy.

Li said that Kuwait is the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic ties with China and China cherishes the friendly feelings held by Kuwaiti people for Chinese people. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, both sides have shown mutual support and assistance and bilateral relations have been developing steadily with satisfactory achievements of cooperation in all areas. China appreciates the Kuwaiti government for always supporting the one-China policy and will continue to support Kuwait to safeguard state independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China would like to strengthen mutual political trust with Kuwait, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade and other areas, keep closer coordination and cooperation in international affairs and jointly contribute to safeguarding world and regional peace. Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest.

On the same day, Li also held talks with Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and both sides indicated that they will make joint efforts to push for continuous development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations, as well as China's ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Arab states.

Li and his delegation arrived in Kuwait for an official visit on the evening of May 22. Kuwait is the first leg of his Gulf tour. Later he will also visit Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and attend the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held in Doha, capital of Qatar, on May 24.