PM seeks stronger Pakistan-Kuwait economic cooperation during Kuwaiti FM's visit

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Kuwait in trade, investment, energy and other key sectors during a meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, while also discussing the regional security situation.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers for defence, commerce, national food security and research, communications, maritime affairs and petroleum, the prime minister’s adviser and senior government officials.

Welcoming the visiting foreign minister, the prime minister conveyed his best wishes to the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Recalling the longstanding ties between the two countries, Shehbaz said Pakistan and Kuwait shared fraternal relations founded on mutual trust and common values, adding that the two nations had stood by each other through difficult times.

Discussing regional developments, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait and strongly condemned attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf countries during the ongoing regional conflict.

He said Pakistan was continuing to play the role of an “honest and sincere mediator and facilitator” in efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for supporting those initiatives.

On bilateral relations, Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of ties and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, information technology, maritime affairs and human resource development.

He also appreciated Kuwait for hosting a large Pakistani community and acknowledged its contribution to the Gulf country’s socio-economic development.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Kuwaiti leadership to the prime minister and reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He also appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to help resolve the ongoing regional crisis, specifically acknowledging the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing dialogue and diplomacy.

The Kuwaiti foreign minister also thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their solidarity and support for Kuwait during recent regional tensions.

Both sides agreed to maintain close consultations on bilateral and regional issues and exchange official delegations in the near future to advance discussions. The prime minister also reiterated his invitation to the Crown Prince of Kuwait to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.