LOC19:00
16:00 GMT
Ambassador Al Mulla with the Belgian insignia
(With photos)
BRUSSELS, Sept 27 (KUNA) -- King Philippe of Belgium Friday awarded the
"Order of the Crown- Grand Cross" insignia to Kuwait's ambassador to Belgium
Nabeela Al Mulla in recognition of her significant role in strengthening ties
between the Kingdom of Belgium and the State of Kuwait.
It was awarded at the Royal Palace in Brussels on the occasion of the end
of Al Mulla's six-year diplomatic tenure in Belgium.
"This is an honour for me, for Kuwait and the trust entrusted to my by the
authorities led by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah," she
told the Kuwait news agency (KUNA).
"The meeting lasted 30 minutes and it was very nice. In recognition of my
distinguished role during my presence here he awarded me the state insignia,
which is the highest medal awarded to ambassadors here," noted Al Mulla."
King Phillipe visited Kuwait twice in the past when he was the crown prince
of Belgium. In 2005 he led an economic delegation and in 2006 to pay
condolences on the passing away of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad.
Al Mulla underlined that the cooperation between Kuwait and Belgium has
progressed in a number of fields.
Both Belgium and Kuwait are giving more importance in developing their
bilateral relations, she said and noted that Belgian Foreign Minister Didier
Reynders was the first foreign minister of his country to visit Kuwait in
December 2012 in nearly 48 years.
There is a strong cooperation in the health sectors and there are constant
political consultations between the two countries, she stated.
Al Mulla said she also attended the coronation ceremony of King Philippe
last July representing the Arab countries as she is also the Dean of the Arab
Ambassadors in Belgium.
Al Mulla who is also accredited to Luxembourg will pay a farewell visit to
the Grand Duke of Luxembourg next Thursday.
"Luxembourg is a friendly country and we have very good relations. They
always had a distinguished position regarding our issues and problems.
Luxembourg held the EU Presidency during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait and
its foreign minister has been supporting and defending our issues with great
passion," she said.
"We also have a big economic interest in Luxembourg and we are one of the
biggest investors in the oil sector there. One can say that about 10 percent
of the country's GDP comes from the Kuwait investment in the energy sector,"
she added. (end)
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KUNA 271900 Sep 13NNNN