KUWAIT: A top Mormon Church official visited Kuwait recently to thank state officials on Kuwait's recognition of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints back in February. During his visit, Elder Quentin L Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met government leaders and Latter-day Saints in Kuwait City to express gratitude on behalf of the First Presidency for the important milestone. "We are incredibly grateful for your absolutely key role in granting recognition to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," Elder Cook said Monday during a meeting with Fareed Emadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and secretary general of the Supreme Commission for the Promotion of Moderation in the ministry. The Ministry of Awqaf gave the Church this recognition, Emadi said, based on the teachings of Islam and the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) that focus on the desire to live in peace. "Our religion taught us how to deal with others and how to respect others," he said. While in Kuwait, Cook also met with Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, before he and other men, including local interfaith leaders, gathered for a traditional diwaniya meeting. Cook also spoke to 125 soldiers at a sacrament meeting at Camp Arifjan, a US military base outside Kuwait City. Nearly 300 Mormons live and work in Kuwait; they come from many countries around the world.