By Mahdi Al-Nimer
ROME, Sept 21 (KUNA) -- The recent visit by His Highness the Prime Minister (of Kuwait) Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to Italy depicted half a century of deep and excellent ties bonding the Gulf State with the European nation, affirmed the Kuwaiti Ambassador here, Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The visit, paid earlier this week by His Highness the Premier, who was the first ranking Kuwaiti official to visit the country with company of a very senior delegation, crowned the continuous development of the cooperation and solidarity between the two countries, said the ambassador in remarks to KUNA, alluding to the 50-year relationship between Rome and Kuwait City.
Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled affirms significance of the mission as it has come while Kuwait chairs the GCC and the Arab League, as Rome is chairman of the current European Union's session, also noting in this respect its particular significance due to prevailing "major challenges" at the humanitarian, political, security and development levels across the globe.
The Italian President's hosting of Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak with Heads of State-level protocols signals Italy's consideration of Kuwait's role in facing such challenges, as well as the solid ties between the two parties. Moreover, it reflects joint desire to bolster mutual cooperation.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak's visit to Italy, on September 16-17, was preceded by the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the country in November 2009. Italian premiers visited Kuwait in November 2012 and February this year.
As a tangible development of the bilateral ties, Kuwaiti investments in Italy have grown to euro 4.5 billion, he said, also indicating in this respect the growing cooperation at the scientific, educational, cultural, health and medical levels.
The Ambassador Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled lauded Italy's participation in Kuwait's war of liberation in 1991, its unwavering support for Kuwait's rights, as well as the two sides' backing for international peace.
Italian leaders, during the visit, expressed congratulations to Kuwait and the Amir for being proclaimed an international "Humanitarian Leader" by the United Nations.
He confirmed that contacts are underway to hold an exhibition for the Kuwaiti "Dar Al-Athar Islamiyah" in Italy. (end) mn.rk