Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan arrived in Kuwait Friday on a three-day visit aimed at bolstering cooperation in all fields between China and Kuwait. Upon arrival, Tang told reporters that he will discuss with Kuwaiti leaders "means of furthering friendly cooperation between our two countries in the new century."

The two sides will also exchange views on the situation in the Gulf, as well as other regional and international issues of mutual and general interest, he said.

The Chinese foreign minister reaffirmed China's clear support to Kuwait's just causes, especially with regard to the issue of the Kuwaiti nationals allegedly still held in Iraq, adding he " mentioned the matter during a recent meeting held in Beijing with visiting Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz."

Kuwait insists Iraq is still holding more than 600 Kuwaiti and third country nationals detained by Iraqi troops during their occupation of Kuwait in 1990 and early 1991, a charge rejected by Iraq.

The issue remains the major block to a direct Kuwaiti-Iraqi contact.

Tang is scheduled to meet on Saturday with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. He will also hold talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The top Chinese diplomat is due to leave Kuwait for Iran on Sunday on the last leg of his present four-nation tour, which has already taken him to Mauritania and Tunisia.