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Sheikh Salman welcomes visit of Iraqi sports minister

Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah with Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abd al-Husayn Abd al-Ridha Abtan
Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah with Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abd al-Husayn Abd al-Ridha Abtan

By Hamed Al-Ameeri

KUWAIT, March 18 (KUNA) -- Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah on Wednesday welcomed the visit of Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abd al-Husayn Abd al-Ridha Abtan to Kuwait.
"The visit is part of the joint efforts to promote sports cooperation and understanding among the youth of both countries," Sheikh Salman told KUNA on the sidelines of his talks with Abtan.
The Iraqi minister is scheduled to visit a number of sports facilities and youth projects in Kuwait with a view to enhancing the experience sharing the sports domain, he pointed out.
Sheikh Salman welcomed the invitation of his guest to visit Iraq, saying he will pay the visit as early as possible.
"Out of keenness on rapprochement between the Kuwaiti youths and their brothers in Iraq, Kuwait hosted a several Iraqi sports teams and organized friendly matches," he added.
On his part, the Iraqi minister voiced joy for visiting Kuwait and having the chance to inspect the Kuwaiti sports facilities and share experience in this field.
"The Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports aspires to closer ties with all GCC states particularly the State of Kuwait," he said.
Abtan said his meeting with Sheikh Salman dealt with a range of sports issues and ways to taking advantage of Kuwait's experience in the regard, citing the achievements of Kuwaiti sportspeople on the Arab, Asian and international levels.
"The two countries maintain fruitful cooperation thanks to the efforts of the joint coordinating committees and the protocol on sports cooperation," he said.
The Iraqi minister expressed gratitude to Kuwait's role in lifting the ban on Iraqi sports.
He thanked Sheikh Sabah for the warm reception and hospitality and said he is looking forward to the Kuwaiti minister's visit to Iraq at an early date.
Abtan is accompanied by chairperson of the Iraqi Olympic Committee Raad Hamoudi and other members of the committee. (end) ha.gb