China-Kuwait BRI high-level media seminar on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between China and Kuwait was held in Kuwait’s Hawalli Governorate, marking a pivotal moment in the two countries’ deepening partnership. The seminar brought together over 70 media professionals, diplomats, academics, and government officials to celebrate the decade-long journey of collaboration under the BRI framework and explore the powerful role of media in shaping the narrative of global development.
A Decade of Progress and Shared Vision
The seminar coincided with the 10th anniversary of the China-Kuwait BRI cooperation agreement, a milestone that reflects the steady evolution of bilateral relations. Over the past ten years, the BRI has become a cornerstone of China-Kuwait ties, yielding substantial outcomes in infrastructure, energy, trade, and cultural exchange. As part of the celebration, the event highlighted key projects and achievements resulting from this partnership, many of which align closely with Kuwait’s Vision 2035—an ambitious roadmap designed to transform Kuwait into a regional hub for finance and commerce.
The collaboration between China and Kuwait under the BRI is not limited to physical infrastructure. It includes a dynamic cultural and human connection—facilitated by media cooperation—that helps both societies understand each other more deeply.
Empowering Media to Strengthen Relations
Themed around the role of media in promoting BRI cooperation, the seminar hosted a variety of sessions focusing on topics such as international communication strategies, combating misinformation, and the importance of storytelling in diplomacy. Representatives from leading Kuwaiti media outlets, such as Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait Television, and several prominent newspapers, participated actively in discussions and interactive panels.
In these sessions, media professionals shared their experiences and strategies for covering BRI-related developments, highlighting the need for balanced and insightful reporting that reflects the shared benefits of international cooperation. Emphasis was placed on the growing importance of digital platforms, multimedia storytelling, and youth engagement to broaden public awareness of the BRI and its impact on everyday lives.
Voices of Leadership
Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait, Zhang Jianwei, delivered an inspiring keynote address in which he praised the progress made through BRI cooperation and acknowledged the central role of media in advancing mutual understanding. “Media is the bridge that connects hearts and minds,” he said. “Through accurate reporting and cultural exchange, we can showcase the richness of our cooperation and the values we share.”
He also stressed the importance of continuing dialogue between Chinese and Kuwaiti media professionals to foster trust, enhance transparency, and build a more inclusive and informed narrative around BRI-related initiatives.
Kuwait’s Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, Khaled Al-Mahdi, echoed these sentiments. He noted that media coverage has played an instrumental role in informing the Kuwaiti public about the country’s development goals and its collaboration with international partners like China. Al-Mahdi emphasized that the synergy between BRI goals and Vision 2035 creates a unique opportunity to fast-track sustainable development while deepening cultural ties between the two nations.
Joint Media Projects on the Horizon
The seminar also provided a platform for announcing upcoming initiatives aimed at expanding media cooperation. These include proposals for joint news coverage of BRI projects, content exchange agreements, collaborative training for journalists, and the launch of bilingual digital platforms to provide in-depth reporting on China-Kuwait relations.
Wu Zhongmin, Deputy Chief of the Middle East Bureau of Xinhua News Agency, spoke about how news agencies can act as engines of global understanding. He presented examples of how Xinhua has successfully partnered with regional outlets in the Middle East to amplify stories of collaboration and development, with a focus on inclusivity and shared prosperity.
Attendees expressed particular interest in hosting co-productions, documentaries, and media forums that spotlight successful BRI projects and highlight personal stories from communities positively impacted by the initiative. These efforts are seen as essential in countering stereotypes and showcasing the human element of global cooperation.
Youth Engagement and Media Innovation
A noteworthy segment of the seminar centered on engaging young journalists and content creators. With Gen Z and Millennials playing a critical role in shaping online narratives, the seminar stressed the importance of equipping them with accurate information, multimedia skills, and platforms for cross-cultural dialogue.
Participants proposed internships, exchange programs, and joint content labs where young media professionals from China and Kuwait can co-create stories and digital campaigns that reflect their shared aspirations. Through these programs, future media leaders are expected to gain hands-on experience in international reporting and storytelling.
Moving Forward with Purpose
As the seminar concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment among participants. The event reaffirmed the belief that media is not just a passive observer of development—it is an active player that can help steer global cooperation in the right direction. Through open dialogue, ethical reporting, and creative collaboration, the media community in both countries pledged to work together in promoting peace, development, and mutual respect.
Organizers stated that similar media forums would be held regularly to review progress, showcase results, and explore new areas of collaboration. This institutionalization of media dialogue is expected to become a key feature of the BRI-Kuwait partnership moving forward.
Conclusion
The media seminar in Kuwait offered more than a retrospective look at ten years of BRI cooperation—it provided a future-facing vision anchored in shared values and mutual goals. With the commitment of media professionals, diplomats, and government leaders, the China-Kuwait partnership is poised to grow stronger, more transparent, and more connected. And as the media continues to shine a light on these developments, the stories of success, resilience, and cooperation will continue to inspire both nations and the world at large.
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