Former UN chief "honored" to meet His Highness Amir

KUWAIT, Oct 9 (KUNA) -- Former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on Sunday that he was "honored to have met His Highness the Amir of Kuwait", in his first visit to an Arab country after retiring from the UN. On his encounter with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the former UN chief said that "very important issues were discussed," both at regional and international levels.
He applauded his Highness the Amir's earnest efforts as mediator in an ongoing Gulf crisis involving Qatar and a quartet of Arab nations, saying he was hopeful that tensions would be defused soon.
He also appreciated His Highness the Amir's "continuing compassionate leadership" to assist nations embroiled in conflict, naming Yemen and Syria as examples.
The former UN secretary general congratulated Kuwait on winning a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, which he said was a testament to the country's growing presence on the international stage. (end) nam