US-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue aims to boost bilateral relations

WASHINGTON, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stressed Friday the importance of the US-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue which aims at boosting bilateral economic, defense, educational and political relations.
In remarks at the opening of the second Strategic Dialogue with Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah, Tillerson said "this Strategic Dialogue deepens our close relationship, grows bonds between our people, and enhances practical cooperation for the security and prosperity of both our nations." New initiatives announced this week between the two nations, Tillerson noted serves "as a concrete demonstration of our close relationship and partnership." He praised Thursday's meeting between His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and US President Donald Trump at the White House.
"President Trump and I had a very productive meeting at the White House with His Highness the Amir yesterday. The President reaffirmed our friendship and discussed a number of shared objectives in the region," said Tillerson. Among the top objectives is combating terrorism in the region.
In addition, Tillerson shed light on the two memorandums of understanding (MOU) signed today that aim at boosting education and commerce between the two nations.
"The first is an education MOU between the Department of State and Kuwait's ministries of education and of higher education. This MOU will help prepare Kuwaiti students to study in the United States and encourages relations between U.S. and Kuwaiti institutions of higher education," he explained.
"We've also finalized an MOU between the Department of Commerce, SelectUSA, and Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority to encourage additional bilateral investments in both countries." The US top diplomat stressed "we recognize His Highness the Amir's leadership and continue to support Kuwait's efforts to help bring about a settlement to the GCC dispute, including Egypt." He added that the US and Kuwait "both recognize the importance of GCC unity to meet the challenges of the region that we all face together." "The United States also has a deep appreciation for Kuwait's leadership on humanitarian commitments which help stabilize the region," Tillerson remarked.
He indicated that In recent years, Kuwait has provided more than USD nine billion in humanitarian support in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon, saying "Kuwait is the second largest single-country donor to these efforts worldwide after the United States." "And lastly, we thank the large Kuwaiti delegation for their hard and diligent work with our teams to advance the bilateral agenda. We look forward to implementing the new agreements and strengthening our partnership for years to come," he concluded. (pickup previous) si.asf