Prime Minister praises distinguished relations with European Union

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan Palace Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the visiting European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President Federica Mogherini. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah later received Mogherini and her accompanying delegation at Bayan Palace. During the meeting, His Highness the Prime Minister praised the distinguished relations between the State of Kuwait and the European Union, pointing out mutual keenness on permanent coordination in various situations and issues that enhance security and peace in the world. He said the opening of the headquarters of the EU mission in Kuwait confirms the keenness of the Union to consolidate and maintain its historical relationship in areas that serve the interests of the people of Kuwait and the friendly peoples of the European Union. The meeting was attended by the Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs Ambassador Walid Al-Khubaizi, Ambassador of Kuwait to Belgium and head of its missions to the European Union and NATO Jassim Al-Bedawi, and Undersecretary for Petitions in the Office of the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Ahmad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

Deeply-rooted ties
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled congratulated the European Union on the official opening of its new mission in Kuwait. This came as the minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Mogherini on Saturday in Kuwait ahead of her attendance of the mission's official launch, which took place yesterday. He praised the long-standing and deeply-rooted ties between his country and the regional bloc, saying that the landmark is an "inevitable result of the ongoing development of positive and fruitful cooperation between the two sides." Kuwait's deputy prime minister and foreign minister also commended the EU's "prominent role and its crucial and notable contributions" to ensuring regional and global security and stability.

Meanwhile, the senior EU official said she was proud of the joint efforts linking both sides, describing the mission as a clear sign of their extremely close proximity and a reflection of the EU's keenness towards boosting its relationship with Kuwait. She also recalled Kuwait's endeavors to support regional and international efforts for peace, security and conflict resolution amid the difficult situation the region is experiencing. Both senior officials proceeded to attend a dinner banquet, held in honor of the visiting EU official and her delegation. Speaking in Brussels ahead of her visit, Mogherini had lauded Kuwait as a "voice of wisdom and a force for peace in these difficult times for our region," saying the Gulf country and the EU were "natural partners." - KUNA