BRUSSELS: Kuwait's new ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Jasem Mohammad Al-Budaiwi, met here Thursday the Head of Protocol at the Belgian Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Franoise Gustin and handed her over a copy of his credentials, according to a Kuwait embassy statement here. Ambassador Al-Budaiwi asserted during the meeting the deep relationship between the two countries and the special ties between the two Royal families of the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Belgium.

He also stressed that the fifty years of diplomatic relations between the two countries reaffirmed a great friendship which brought the two countries closer together and greater coordination at the bilateral and multilateral levels. From her side, Ambassador Gustin welcomed Ambassador Al-Budaiwi to Belgium and affirmed Belgium's commitment to deepen its ties with the State of Kuwait. She also recalled King Philippe's former visit to Kuwait where he headed a number of economic delegations, noted the statement.

Al-Budaiwi who previously was Kuwait's ambassador in South Korea arrived in Brussels only on Wednesday to take up his new post in the Belgian capital. - KUNA