Kuwait’s emir holds talks with Iraqi prime minister

Kuwaiti parliament speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim (R) receives Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Kuwait City. (AFP via KUNA)

Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi (L) is received by Prime Minister of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah (R). (File/INA)

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (R) receives Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in Kuwait City. (AFP via KUNA)

• His visit comes as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations

JEDDAH: Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday held wide-ranging talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi during an official visit.
The leaders reviewed relations between the two countries and “the common determination to enhance cooperation in various fields and at all levels,” state news agency KUNA said.
They also discussed ways to develop bilateral trade and partnership and play an effective role in the field of sustainable development and industrial and commercial investment.
The latest regional developments were also discussed.
The meeting, held at Bayan Palace in Kuwait City, was also attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and other senior state officials.
Al-Kadhimi arrived in Kuwait earlier on Sunday heading a high-ranking government delegation, Iraq News Agency had reported citing the premier’s media office.
Al-Kadhimi confirmed his visit comes as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations with various countries, including Kuwait.
He also affirmed his country’s keenness to overcome all difficulties facing Kuwaiti investments by enacting legislation and fighting corruption and administrative bureaucracy to attract investors.
“The doors of Iraq are open to Kuwaiti investors, and my office is open to any investor,” he said.
The prime minister stressed that the talks in Kuwait are necessary to draw up a regional road map.
“Kuwait for us is a neighboring and friendly country, and it is in the heart and soul of every Iraqi, due to its historical stances and kindness toward Iraq and all Arab countries,” he said.
Kuwait on Aug. 4 marked the 31st anniversary of the start of Iraq’s invasion under former dictator Saddam Hussein. Since then relations between the two countries have significantly improved.
Al-Kadhimi said his government is committed to holding elections on Oct. 10 and said it has prepared all necessary procedures for fair elections.
During his visit he also held talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah and parliament speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim.