By Sherouq Sadeqi
WASHINGTON, July 31 (KUNA) -- The visit of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Washington and his meeting with US President Barack Obama, scheduled for Monday, is of "major" importance, said Kuwait's Ambassador Sheikh Salem Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Friday.
In a statement to KUNA, the ambassador said that this visit "comes within the framework of the constant consultations the two leaders seek," which reflects the "distinctive relations" between Kuwait and the US.
He added that Obama and his administration are looking forward to the meeting with His Highness the Amir, in order to exchange views over several important issues in the region, such as the Middle East and the Iranian files.
"This visit has a particular importance as it is the first summit of its kind between His Highness Sheikh Sabah and President Obama," Sheikh Salem noted.
He added that the two sides are placing great importance on this visit due to the vitality of the issues that will be addressed, which include "the bilateral relations, in addition to the regional and international issues." He said that despite the "strength of the strategic relations between Kuwait and the US, there is a great joint desire to further boost these relations, especially as His Highness the Amir is looking forward to discussing with Obama means to further promote the bilateral relations." In this regard, Sheikh Salem noted that the issue of the Kuwaiti detainees in Guantanamo "is always in the mind of His Highness the Amir, therefore it is considered a top topic which His Highness Sheikh Sabah will be discussing with President Obama." "I am optimistic that the visit of His Highness the Amir to Washington and his meeting with President Obama would achieve progress on this issue," he said.
The ambassador added that His Highness the Amir is hoping, through his talks with President Obama, to open new horizons of cooperation in the education, health care and economic fields.
As for the regional issues that will be discussed during the summit meeting, Sheikh Salem noted that they will focus on four "important" files which are the security in the Gulf region, Iraq, Iran and the Middle Eastern dossier.
"In light of the strategic relations between the two sides, the common interests they both have, and their agreement over the security and stability of the Gulf, it is of vital importance that the two leaders discuss the ideal ways to guarantee the security and stability of this vital and important region," the ambassador stressed.
Regarding the Iraqi file, Sheikh Salem said that Kuwait and Iraq share "neighboring relations and several common interests, namely boosting the security and stability of the Gulf, therefore what happens in Iraq affects the region and Kuwait directly." He added that this summit is considered an "opportunity to discuss the developments in Iraq and what efforts the Kuwaiti and American sides can exert to achieve the pursued goal of the international community, which is a secure and prosperous Iraq." The ambassador added that "Kuwait shares good relations with Iraq and the two sides hold continuous consultations over several matters and issues that are of mutual interest." He noted that there is a "desire, not only from the Kuwaiti side, but also from the US, for Iraq to carry out its commitments, especially the UNSC resolution 833 on the borders." Furthermore, Sheikh Salem said that His Highness Sheikh Sabah is one of the Arab leaders who witnessed the onset of the Middle East crisis and its developments, and he hopes to reach comprehensive peace between the Palestinians and Israelis.
He noted that His Highness the Amir will "thank President Obama for his interest in this issue since his first day in office as president and will also encourage him" to continue his efforts towards this issue.
"His Highness the Amir will also affirm to President Obama that achieving permanent security and stability in the region is closely linked to solving the Palestinian issue, and that the solution for this issue is the main key for the security and stability of the region," the ambassador added.
As for the Iranian nuclear file, Sheikh Salem reiterated Kuwait's stance over the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to this issue.
He added that His Highness Sheikh Sabah will "praise the US initiative for holding direct and unconditional dialogue with the Iranian side," and will "encourage President Obama to continue in this path and work on preventing any military tension in the region." "His Highness the Amir will also discuss with Obama the impacts of the global financial crisis and means for cooperation in order to resolve this international economic situation," the ambassador concluded. (end) si.ema KUNA 310905 Jul 09NNNN