Speaker hails pact, warns embezzlers

KUWAIT: First Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah and UK Minister for Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Tobias Ellwood are seen during the signing ceremony. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom yesterday signed an accord stipulating wanted criminals' extradition between the two states. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that First Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah and the visiting UK Minister for the Middle Eastern and North African Affairs Tobias Ellwood signed the agreement for criminals' extradition at the ministry's headquarters.

National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem praised "the enormous efforts" that have been exerted by the relevant authorities to draw up the criminals' extradition treaty between Kuwait and the United Kingdom. "I publicize the good news to the people of Kuwait; the signing of the treaty which will be endorsed by the parliament instantly after its submission by the government," he said. After its endorsement by the Kuwaiti and British legislative authorities, the accord will be effective immediately, "and Kuwaitis will no longer see embezzlers of public funds roaming the streets of London and Britain," he added.

Ellwood earlier met Ghanem, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah. The officials tackled bilateral relations and means to enhance them in various fields. Prior to heading to Kuwait late Wednesday, Ellwood said the UK and Kuwait are eager to boost their strong historic bilateral ties. In a statement, Ellwood said that he was pleased to visit Kuwait for the second time this year. He noted that he will discuss with Kuwaiti officials cooperation within the economic, energy, health, and security sectors. He added that they will also discuss boosting educational cooperation, as the UK is willing to provide further facilitations for Kuwaiti students. - KUNA