policy By Salwa Jandoubi
(with photos) UNITED NATIONS, Nov 9 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait and the Republic of Vanuatu have established diplomatic relations, a step that falls within framework of Kuwait's foreign policy of openness with all states of the globe.
The two countries signed a joint declaration, here late on Thursday, stipulating establishment of the diplomatic ties, based on mutual conviction that this move would serve national interests of the two countries. This move was also result of the mutual desire to boost the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of both countries in the political, economic, cultural fields at the national and international levels.
The two states have decided to set up the bilateral ties according to principles and charter of the United Nations, the Vienna convention regarding diplomatic and consular ties, international laws, particularly those concerning mutual respect of independence, sovereignty and territorial sanctity.
The joint declaration was signed by the Kuwaiti permanent delegate to the UN, Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi, and the Ambassador of Vanuatu, Donald Kalpokas.
In a statement to KUNA and Kuwait Television, ambassador Al-Otaibi said he was pleased for establishing the diplomatic relations with the Pacific Republic, with which the State of Kuwait has maintained good ties since 1986. Such a step falls within framework of the Kuwaiti foreign policy, marked with openness with all states of the world, he affirmed.
The Republic of Vanuatu is, like Kuwait, geographically small in size, however the two countries share common interests regarding diverse international affairs, the senior diplomat said in the statement to the Kuwaiti news agency and the national TV.
The Republic, as a country located in the Pacific, is particularly interested in climate issues.
For his part, Ambassador Kalpokas told KUNA and Kuwait TV following the signing ceremony that the agreement for establishing diplomatic relations with Kuwait "does not come as a surprise to us, because we have been good friends of Kuwait for some time." "We will stand firm as a partner of Kuwait. We will stand shoulder to shoulder" to see whatever comes up in the United Nations and we will support each other, together with the other members of the world body, he said.
"We will work together on peace and stability in our regions and beyond," he added.
The Republic of Vanuatu is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is some 1,750 kilometers (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia. It got its independence from the UK and France in 1980.
The country's capital is Port Vila. Its population is estimated at 224,564, according to a 2011 census. Its area is 12,190 km2. The local language is Bislama, but English and French are widely used too.
The economy is based on agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, as well as raising cattle and fishing activity. Economic development, however, is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances between constituent islands and from main markets. (end) sj.rk KUNA 090903 Nov 12NNNN