Kuwait urges more cooperation with Zimbabwe

Kuwait: Kuwait is eager to expand a joint cooperation with Zimbabwe, the Interior Minister said while praising the African state's political weight worldwide.

Zimbabwe has been the target of sharp criticism from the United Nations and rights group over its human rights violations, which has escalated for the past five years.

Sheikh Nawaf al Ahmed al Sabah made the remarks on Saturday during the reception of Zimbabwe's Ambassador Saud Faisal al Duwish, state news agency KUNA reported.

He said Zimbabwe enjoyed a special weight on the international arena and that Kuwait was always keen to lend support to all states "to enhance world solidarity".

Sheikh Nawaf also praised Duwish's efforts while the ambassador pledged to work on opening new ventures between the two nations.

Rights group, Amnesy International, said Zimbabwe is characterised by human rights violations, including state-sponsored intimidation, arbitrary arrest, torture and attacks on civilians, rights defenders and independent media.

Its laws reportedly repress freedom of expression, association, assembly and information.