KUWAIT: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif arrived here Monday on a two-day official visit. The prime minister was received by Advisor to Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Salem Al Jaber and other senior officials at the Kuwait International Airport.
The prime minister is accompanied by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and Board of Investment Chairman Miftah Ismail, said a press release.
The premier’s visit is taking place, particularly at a significant time in the bilateral, regional and global context.
During the visit, Prime Minister Nawaz will meet the Kuwaiti leadership for an in-depth review of various aspects of the traditionally close and brotherly relations between the two countries.
The premier will also address gatherings of select Kuwaiti investors, as well as members of the Pakistani community residing in Kuwait.
Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah will receive Prime Minister Nawaz in Bayan Palace for a detailed meeting on Tuesday.
Nawaz will hold delegation level talks with Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Important regional and international issues of mutual interest are expected to come under discussion during the visit.
Prime Minister Nawaz will also meet Speaker of the Kuwaiti Parliament Marzouk Al Ghanim. Pakistan-Kuwait parliamentary relations have seen enhanced cooperation in recent years.
In each of these meetings, PM Nawaz will exchange views with the Kuwaiti side to further expand the existing level of cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait in diverse sectors. These include promotion of bilateral trade and investment and upgrading the well-placed institutionalised cooperation in the fields of petroleum and natural resources, financial sector, defence, export of manpower, health services, industrial sector, and media and information technology etc.
Both sides will also review the progress made so far under various existing agreements and MoUs in the various fields.
Prime Minister Nawaz will also address a group of leading Kuwaiti investors and businessmen.
Kuwait is a leading GCC investor in Pakistan, and PM Nawaz’s visit will provide a useful opportunity to highlight the lucrative business environment available in Pakistan to foreign investors in diverse fields. The premier will underline the unique role Pakistan can play as a bridge to promote connectivity and economic progress among its neighbouring regions, including the GCC countries.
The visit will also prove useful in highlighting the role and exemplary services of over 114,000 Pakistani community members who have contributed to various sectors in Kuwait. The community contributes towards progress and prosperity of both Kuwait and Pakistan.
The premier will address a select gathering of Pakistani community members residing in Kuwait.
Prime Minister Nawaz’s visit to Kuwait is part of the regular high-level exchanges between the two sides.
On the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah had undertaken an official visit to Pakistan on 10-12 November 2013, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
He was the first head of government from a GCC country to visit Pakistan, after Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif took the office in May 2013.
Pakistan and Kuwait enjoy cordial and brotherly relations.
Kuwaitis have always appreciated Pakistan’s support in the rehabilitation process in 1991 following Iraqi occupation of their country.
Pakistan and Kuwait also cooperate extensively in the multilateral forums including at the UN and OIC. Both sides also have shared perceptions on most of the international and regional issues.