Gilani, Amir of Kuwait discuss bilateral ties, regional situation
KUWAIT, Feb 14 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called on Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah here at Bayan Palace on Monday and discussed bilateral ties and matters of mutual interest.Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah were also present in the meeting, in which the two sides besides discussing bilateral relations, also exchanged views on the matters of regional and international importance, particularly the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.
Prime Minister Gilani, who arrived in Kuwait for the first time since assuming office in 2008, congratulated Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Kuwait’s 50th Independence, 20th liberation anniversary and 5th anniversary of Amir’s accession.
He said that President Asif Ali Zardari would also visit Kuwait later this month on the occasion of Kuwait’s independence celebrations.
Gilani was also accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman Board of Investment Salim Mandviwala.
The Prime Minister also briefed the Amir of Kuwait about the measures being taken by the democratic government in Pakistan to tackle various challenges facing the country, including the war against terrorism and economic problems.
Gilani referred to the historic and extremely cordial and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait and said that the two countries have commonality of views on various regional and international issues.
“My present visit is to further strengthen these ties, with focus on increased economic cooperation”, he said.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan desired to bolster relations with Kuwait in all spheres, particularly in trade and economy for the benefit of two countries.
Gilani mentioned the challenges facing Pakistan with economic problems at the forefront, mainly due to global recession, recent devastating floods and the war on the terror and added that despite these challenges, the government had created very conducive environment for investment.
The Prime Minister said that the Kuwaiti private sector could take advantage of Pakistan’s investment-friendly policies and environment and invest in various sectors of economy including agriculture, energy etc.
Gilani thanked the Amir of Kuwait for generous support to Pakistan in difficult times, particularly during the 2005 earthquake and the recent floods.
The Prime Minister mentioned the role of around 150,000 Pakistani expatriates working in diverse fields in Kuwait, including skilled and non-skilled workers and thanked the Amir of Kuwait for looking after them well.
The Prime Minister also extended an invitation to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabber Al-Sabah to visit Pakistan, which the latter accepted and said he would visit the country at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Amir of Kuwait expressed his confidence that the visit of Prime Minister Gilani as well as his talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah would help further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Sheikh Sabah, who was appreciative of Pakistan’s role and support in the liberation of Kuwait, following the Iraqi invasion in 1991, extended his all-out support for increased trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait.
He said,”Kuwait looks with praise the role of Pakistan for promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond”. 
Around 150,000 Pakistani expatriates work in diverse fields in Kuwait, including skilled and non-skilled workers.