Tai'an Mayor Zhang Tao met with a delegation led by Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Ambassador of Kuwait to China, on Sept 5 – during which the two sides exchanged in-depth views on potential business opportunities.

Zhang extended his warm welcome to visit of the delegation and briefly introduced the economic and social development of his city.

Kuwait is the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic ties with China and is an important partner of China's Belt and Road Initiative. It is also the first Gulf state to sign the "Belt and Road" cooperation document.

Officials said that over the years, China and Kuwait have maintained close relations and friendly and reciprocal cooperation and both sides share broad prospects for cooperation.

The ambassador's visit will increase mutual understanding and elevate bilateral relations to a new high, Zhang said.

He hoped that during their stay in Tai'an, the delegation could conduct more inspections, put forward suggestions on the city's economic and social development, as well as seek bilateral exchanges and cooperation in economic, trade, cultural, tourism and other fields.

Hayat said that Tai'an is a beautiful city boasting developed science, technology and education -- with prominent industrial features, sound economic foundations and an excellent investment environment. The two sides have broad prospects of cooperation, he added.

The ambassador said that many Tai'an-based enterprises have maintained friendly and cooperative relations with their Kuwaiti counterparts.

He also expressed his hope that companies from the two countries would forge new business links and expand cooperation.