By Mehdi Al-Nimr
ROME, March 12 (KUNA) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Acting Prime Minister of the Republic of San Marino Nicola Renzi reaffirmed the desire of his government on upgrading the relations with Kuwait in the economic and investment fields.
The deep-rooted friendship and cooperation on the bilateral and multilateral levels are expected to bear fruit in the near future for the benefit of both sides, he said in statements to KUNA in the presence of San Marino Ambassador in Rome Daniela Rotondaro.
Renzi recalled that he received, in his former capacity as Captain Regent or Co-Head of State, the credentials of Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled Al-Sabah as Kuwait's first Ambassador-at-Large to San Marino early last year.
He appreciated the great diplomatic efforts made by Sheikh Ali to strengthen the ties in various fields.
He welcomed the Kuwaiti investors willing to do business in his country.
Kuwaiti investors have long experience and successful expansions on the global scale which could contribute to his country's strategy for economic growth in the run-up to the launching of a special partnership with the European Union, Renzi pointed out.
He promised that his government would facilitate the Kuwaiti investments and offer the necessary information relating to banking system and tourist sector to Kuwaiti investors.
The government of San Marino has worked out a comprehensive program for reviving the banking system this June, including steps for launching new high-value financial instruments that could meet the aspirations of the Kuwaiti investors, he went on.
Renzi also welcomed the Kuwaiti students willing to enroll for academic courses at the colleges in his country, saying that these colleges are on par with the Italian and other European peers.
On tourism in San Marino, he said the country, located on the Italian Peninsula on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains, is one of the world's main tourist destinations.
Besides finances, industry and services, tourism is a main pillar of the economy of the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, Renzi said, noting that his government designated a list of sites as tourist resorts that will be available to international investors.
Renzi expressed best wishes for His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Aabah and the government and people of Kuwait on the occasion of the national days.
San Marino claims to be the oldest extant sovereign state and the oldest constitutional republic with a constitution dating back to late 16th century.
It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world in terms of GDP, and has a highly stable economy, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe. (end) mn.gb