Kuwait, Iraq seek closer trade ties

BAGHDAD, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan said on Wednesday that his current visit to Iraq aims to eliminate any hurdles that could encumber the progress of bilateral trade ties.
The Kuwaiti minister's remarks came amid talks with his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Al-Ani, where he pointed out that Baghdad now seeks economic prosperity after ridding its soil of terrorism.
He said bilateral trade remains unsatisfactory, citing a genuine Kuwaiti desire to improve relations in that field, while time is now ripe to accomplish that goal.
The Iraqi minister welcomed the prospect of establishing a joint free trade zone with Kuwait, describing it as a measure that would rejuvenate bilateral trade.
He said the Kuwaiti minister's visit will prove instrumental in propelling ties to new heights.
Kuwait's commerce minister arrived in Baghdad earlier on Wednesday to kick off a two-day visit, in which he is expected to hold talks with senior Iraqi officials. (pickup previous) aha.nam