KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah (left) speaks during a reception held by the Iraqi Embassy to celebrate the liberation of Mosul. - KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait said Monday it started contacts with world countries, the World Bank and Iraq to prepare for hosting a donors' conference to rebuild areas liberated from so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq, expected to be held in first quarter 2018.

"Kuwait has always stood by Iraq via the international coalition (fighting IS) and bilaterally," Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah told reporters during a reception held by the Iraqi Embassy to celebrate liberation of Mosul, northern Iraq. No date has been set for the donors' conference, said Jarallah.

But he stopped short to say it would most probably be held within the first quarter of 2018.  His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on July 11 Kuwait was ready to host an international conference on reconstruction of liberated areas in Iraq.

His Highness the Amir made the remarks during a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi to congratulate him on the "historic victory" on IS in Mosul.  His Highness the Amir hoped the victory would give a boost to unity of Iraqi people, boost security and stability.

Abadi expressed gratitude for His Highness the Amir for this "noble initiative." The World Bank had said it would shore up support for the long-term reconstruction of areas in Iraq liberated from the clutches of IS.

World Bank Regional Director Saroj Kumar said the international lender was keen to support the government's economic reform plans, and the reconstruction and development of Iraqi cities. Meanwhile, Jarallah said Kuwait and Iraq were coordinating over all issues of mutual interest. He congratulated the Iraqi people for the victory in Mosul.

Kuwait's support

In Baghdad, Iraqi Vice President Nouri Al-Maliki has expressed his gratitude to Kuwait's stance supporting his country in the face of terrorism. This came on Monday during Maliki's reception of Kuwait's Ambassador to Iraq Salem Al-Zamanan, said a statement by Maliki's office.

Maliki extolled Kuwaitis' contribution to providing relief and humanitarian support for displaced Iraqis, the statement added. He voiced his hope that the State of Kuwait would continue its efforts to resolve the region's problems in order to achieve stability and economic prosperity, it noted.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the bilateral relations and developments in Iraq as well as efforts seeking to achieve national consensus amongst the Iraqi segments, the statement concluded. - KUNA