Kuwait firm supporter of Palestine - Pres. Abbas

AMMAN, May 6 (KUNA) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday spoke highly of the long-standing supportive stance of the Kuwaiti leaders, government and people towards the fair question of Palestine.
"The frequent visits by the sons of Kuwait to Palestine signal their solidarity with their Palestinian brothers, a noble sentiment that we hold in high esteem," President Abbas said during his meeting with Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah.
Sheikh Salman arrived here on Thursday, leading a cultural and media delegation on a visit to Jordan before proceeding to the West Bank to take part in the 10th Palestinian International Book Fair to be held in Ramallah city on May 8-17 under auspices of President Abbas.
In statements to KUNA and Kuwait TV the Palestinian leader extolled His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his instructions to support the Palestine cause.
He stressed the need for all Arab countries to adopt robust and crystal clear stances at all international forums in support of the Palestinian people in their quest for a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
On his part, Sheikh Salman said he conveyed to President Abbas and the Palestinian people a message of fraternity and appreciation from His Highness the Amir.
He expressed gratitude for the invitation to attend the Palestinian book fair, saying this fair provides a new chance to strengthen the cultural cooperation.
"Kuwait is sending a large delegation to the event out of keenness on the cordial ties and solidarity with the brotherly people of Palestine," he said.
Sheikh Salman noted that his meeting with President Abbas reviewed the bilateral ties and regional issues, with emphasis on the Palestine question which remains to be "a top priority for Kuwait." The meeting gathered Kuwait Ambassador to Jordan Dr. Hamad Al-Du'aij, the Palestinian ambassadors to Kuwait and Jordan Rami Tahboub and Atallah Khairi respectively, the Palestinian Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu-Rudeineh and Presidential Advisor Majdy Al-Khaledi.
This will be the first time for Kuwait to take part in the Palestinian book fair.
Led by Sheikh Salman, the Kuwaiti delegation includes Deputy Chairman of KUNA Adnan Al-Rashed, Assistant Foreign Minister for the Arab Homeland Affairs Aziz Al-Dihani, Assistant Undersecretary of the Information Ministry Khaled Al-Rashidi and director of the technical office of the state ministry for youth Affairs Lana Abu-Eid.
The delegation also includes Assistant Secretary General of National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Mohammad Al-As'ousi, NCCAL's advisor Walid Al-Seif and director of information minister's office Saud Al-Khaledi as well as several other intellectuals and media people. (end) mjb.gb