German FM lauds Kuwait role in addressing Mideast crises

BERLIN, Oct 19 (KUNA) -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier commended on Wednesday Kuwait's pivotal role in addressing pending issues in the Middle East.
In a joint press conference with visiting Kuwait's First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah in Berlin, Steinmeier said that Kuwait represents an important sound of reason in the Middle East.
He described Kuwait's humanitarian role in the region as "ideal" as it is the world's fourth largest provider of aid to refugees and displaced people.
He lauded Kuwait's diplomatic role to bring Yemeni warring parties to the negotiating table to discuss peaceful solution to the conflict.
No other country has showed such a great interest in working out a political roadmap to restore stability in Yemen like Kuwait, he said.
In this regard, he expressed gratitude for Kuwait's role in reaching today's three-day ceasefire in Yemen.
For his part, Kuwait top diplomat Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that talks with his German counterpart have tackled efforts to bolster bilateral relations.
Talks also touched upon regional issues of common concern such as the developments in Yemen, Syria and Iraq as well as the refugee crisis in the Middle East, he disclosed.
On Yemen, he reiterated Kuwait's full support to the UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad's efforts to find a political solution to the civil conflict.
He also welcomed the three-day ceasefire and urged all parties to respect it.
He applauded Germany's reception of a large number of Syrian and Iraqi refugees, adding that Kuwait cooperate with the German government to offer required aid to the refugees there.
He added that Kuwait is working with the Germany to offer all required support to the UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura and to ensure delivery of aid to trapped people in Syria. (Pickup previous) anj.ibi