BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended congratulations to the new emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and pledged joint efforts to further promote bilateral ties.

In his message, Xi said that China and Kuwait enjoy profound traditional friendship and have made remarkable progress in bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with Sheikh Mishal to lift the China-Kuwait strategic partnership to higher levels so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples

The two countries have, as always, firmly supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, he said, adding that bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have made positive progress and that the friendship between the two peoples has been continuously consolidated and deepened.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with Sheikh Mishal to lift the China-Kuwait strategic partnership to higher levels so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

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Xi earlier sent a message of condolence to Kuwait's new emir on the passing of the Middle East country's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who died on Saturday at the age of 86.

Xi said in the message that on behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, he deeply mourned the passing of Nawaf and extended sincere condolences to his family and the Kuwaiti people.

Xi pointed out that Nawaf was deeply respected and revered by the Kuwaiti people and had made positive contributions to the development of China-Kuwait relations.

Nawaf's passing is a great loss for the Kuwaiti people, and the Chinese people have also lost a good friend, Xi said.

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Noting that the Chinese government and people cherish the friendship between China and Kuwait, Xi said that with joint efforts from both sides, the strategic partnership between the two countries will continue to consolidate and develop.

On Sunday, Premier Li Qiang also sent a message of condolence to Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, expressing his deep condolences to the Kuwaiti government and sincere sympathies to the family of Nawaf.

Nawaf was born on June 25, 1937, in the House of Sabah, the ruling family of Kuwait, according to Xinhua News Agency. He served as the minister of the interior and first deputy prime minister in 2003, became the crown prince in 2006, and succeeded the throne in September 2020 as the 16th emir of Kuwait.

Nawaf had been admitted to a hospital in late November due to an emergency health problem.