KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and Acting Information Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah held talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday. The meeting was held during the official visit of the Kuwaiti minister to Washington to lead Kuwait's delegation participating in the fourth session of the Kuwaiti-US strategic dialogue meeting held between Nov 9 and 24, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed firm and close relations between both friendly countries and reiterated deep and distinguished bonds, while showing joint willingness to develop and promote them for the common interest of both countries and their friendly people, the ministry added. They also tackled the latest regional and international developments, the ministry said, noting that a joint press conference was held following official talks.

Kuwaiti Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Americas' Affairs Minister Plenipotentiary Hamad Al-Mashaan and Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for the Foreign Minister's Office Ahmad Al-Shuraim were present at the meeting.

During the joint press conference with Pompeo, Sheikh Ahmad stressed the significance of Kuwaiti-US strategic dialogue. He voiced the appreciation of HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the Kuwaiti government and people for the medical plane and healthcare the US provided for HH the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He also commended US President Donald Trump for granting the late Amir the country's highest military rank, along with relentless US commitment towards Kuwaiti and regional security and bilateral cooperation.

The Kuwaiti minister said next year will see two watershed events - the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the US. "Over the last four years, we have seen progress in all fields and sectors, and six working groups have made much progress in our bilateral relations in the fields of defense, security, economy, education health and human rights," he said. He underscored the importance of promoting cooperation between both countries in various realms and sectors amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pompeo hailed Kuwait as a key strategic partner of the US in the Middle East, praising HH the late Amir for making this relationship closer. He said the US administration works hard to bolster historical bonds between both countries. Pompeo added he and the Kuwaiti foreign minister had signed a memo of understanding for boosting cooperation in the areas of biomedical research and information exchange. The US official emphasized that Kuwait and the US are working together to fight today's challenges, including the fight against the so-called Islamic State. - KUNA