ISLAMABAD (KUNA): His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah asserted here on Monday the deep-rooted bilateral relations between Kuwait and Pakistan, stressing at the same time the need to bolster them in various spheres. This came during a dinner banquet held in his honor by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on the occasion of the Amir’s visit to the country. Sheikh Sabah said that the visit comes as "an appreciation from us to the strong ties between the two countries... such ties that are continually becoming even more stronger supported by identical and united targets in the political, economic, humanitarian and cultural issues.
Sheikh Sabah expressed hope an increase in the trade, economic and investment exchange can be achieved, besides reciprocal benefit from each other’s accumulative experiences, human resources and technical expertise "for the sake of boosting the process of development in our countries. Sheikh Sabah also said "we recall with pride the firm stance by Pakistan and its people during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and your contribution with the Muslim and friendly countries in deterring the invasion especially during your membership in the Security Council then.
Sheikh Sabah also pointed to the role played by the Pakistani community in Kuwait in the economic, social and professional spheres, adding that such presence of the community forms one of the vital links of interests between the two countries. Sheikh Sabah also said "we appreciate the role played by Pakistan towards pressing issues in our Islamic world.
Expressed
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf expressed on Monday his country’s gratitude for the generous support extended by the state of Kuwait following the aftermath of the castastrophic earthquake that struck parts of the country last October. "Kuwait is held in special esteem by Pakistan. We admire the vision of Kuwait’s leadership, he said. He also said that "Pakistan and Kuwait share the same vision and aspiration for peace and stability of our region and prosperity and economic development of our people, adding "we are keenly interested in further expanding our collaborative relations and raising then to yet higher levels for the mutual benefit of our two countries. On terrorism, Musharraf said it is important to extend a hand of friendship to people of diverse faiths and culture and "we need reform to root out extremist tendancies in the Muslim world.
Meanwhile, Kuwait and Indian on Monday expressed satisfaction on the current state of bilateral relations and they also underlined the need for the continuance of this relations by the new generations of both countries.
A joint statement on the occasion of finalizing the visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to India, said the Amir held wide ranging and very fruitful talks with the President of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
The two sides also agreed to set up working groups on investments, energy, petrochemicals, labor and manpower development, and other areas as required. The working groups will meet in the second half of July 2006 in New Delhi and submit their reports to the Joint Commission. In New Delhi, His Highness the Amir addressed a luncheon meeting of representatives of the Indian chambers of commerce and industry. His Highness the Amir also visited Mumbai, where the accompanying business delegations met their counterparts. "The Kuwaiti side briefed the Indian side on the proposed reforms in the labor laws which will protect the interests of skilled and unskilled labor in Kuwait. The statement also addressed terrorism and the two sides denounced all forms of terrorism and stressed its keenness in boosting bilateral coordination on this issue as well as cooperation within the UN framework.
Regarding Iran, the statement states that "While Iran has the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, it can be done in consonance with its international obligations. The two sides also stressed that "resolution of the current issues have to be through dialogue and consultation, giving diplomacy a chance so that confrontations will be avoided at all costs." | 
