Manama: The situation in the Arabian Gulf and the developments in the Middle East peace process will top the agenda of the international talks between Kuwait Emir and the US president when they meet at the White House, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Al Jarallah has said.
The challenges within the framework of the international coalition against terrorism will also figure high on the agenda of the discussions between Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah and President Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Talks on bilateral ties will focus on a wide range of cooperation opportunities, especially those related to the economic, investment, trade, security and defence fields, Al Jarallah said.
“The visit that comes within the framework of the historical ties between Kuwait and the US for more than 100 years will witness the signing of a number of bilateral agreements that aim to boost cooperation between the two countries,” the deputy minister said, quoted by Kuwait News Agency (Kuna).
“Both countries are keen on strengthening their strategic partnership. The visit also holds a special significance in light of the accelerating regional and international developments.”
Shaikh Sabah had arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington on Monday, exactly one year after his last visit to the US during which he was accompanied by a high-calibre official and business delegation.
Shaikh Sabah and President Trump met for the first time in May last year at the Gulf-American Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh.
“The visit provides an opportunity to exchange views on pressing regional challenges, building upon a face-to-face dialogue between the two leaders begun at last year’s US-GCC Summit in Riyadh and continued at the Emir’s visit to the White House last September,” Lawrence Silverman, US ambassador to Kuwait, wrote in an editorial.
“The visit will witness the signing of several bilateral arrangements that will enhance the strategic ties and cooperation between our two countries.”
The diplomat said that the US and Kuwait shared concern for regional threats and the need for unity among partners to address them.
“We look forward to discussions with the Emir and his delegation in Washington regarding Iran, developments in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the ongoing GCC dispute, and other issues.”
In 2004, President George Bush awarded the status of major non-Nato ally to Kuwait, a designation given by the US government to close allies that have strategic working relationships with the US army but are not members of Nato.
