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Kuwait: 'Political, economic reforms key to shared interests'

By Nihal Sharaf KUWAIT CITY, Feb 22: "Once again this region is the epicenter of momentous changes, but pursued in a very different way. It is too early to say how things will turn out. But there are some grounds for cautious optimism," said Prime Minister, David Cameron.

Speaking at the Parliament on Tuesday, the British PM said that he believes political and economic reform in the Arab world is essential to advancing vital shared interests between Middle Eastern countries and the UK.
He strongly condemned the "appalling violence" by Libyan authorities towards their own people and welcomed the steps for reform undertaken by the government of Bahrain.

"Our interests lie in upholding our values -- in insisting on the right to peaceful protest, in freedom of speech and the internet, in freedom of assembly and the rule of law. But these are not just our values, but the entitlement of people everywhere," he said, commenting on the recent uprising in Tunisia and Egypt.

The Prime Minister was visiting Kuwait to mark the 20th anniversary of Liberation of from Iraqi invasion and was accompanied by up to 20 business persons. His visit comes after a trip to Cairo where he had met temporary Prime Minister, Ahmed Shafiq, and head of the military junta, Hussein Tantawi.

He praised the strong economic ties between Kuwait and the UK, saying that the Kuwait Investment Authority has invested approximately £150 billion over the past 50 years, mostly in the UK.

"As your (Gulf) economies grow and diversify, Britain is in an excellent position to help you make the most of these opportunities. Right now, the value of trade and investment between Britain and Kuwait alone is already over £1 billion a year," the Prime Minister added.

He revealed that he has set new challenges with His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah, to double the amount of investment value over the next five years.
Speaker of Parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi, welcomed the British Prime Minister and said that his visit to Kuwait is important as it "strengthens the historic relations between the two countries and their people."
"The UK has always been a friend of Kuwait and the scope of relations between the two countries will remain broad and wide for fruitful and economic and cultural cooperation," he said.

Prime Minister Cameron stressed the deep-seated ties binding the two friendly countries, UN and Kuwait, speaking highly of what the State of Kuwait made of achievements not just after its liberation 20 years ago, but since its independence 50 years ago.

Cameron made the remarks in an address delivered before the Kuwaiti National Assembly following his meeting with Kuwaiti Parliament Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi and a number of members of parliament.
Further, Cameron expressed his happiness over giving a speech before the Kuwaiti parliament, in such distinctive time in which Kuwait celebrates its 50th independence anniversary, and its 20th anniversary marking its liberation from the troops of the defunct regime of Saddam Hussein who invaded the country two decades ago.

Cameroon added that two world leaders sensed then the danger, and they were former US president George Bush, and former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher who explained the situation when she said that Saddam's invasion of Kuwait challenged all principles of the UN, and if he was let to go, then no small country would be safe, and the law of the jungle would reign supreme over the rule of law.

Additionally, Cameron recalled the role played by his own country, and the US in forming a big coalition of Arab and other countries in order to stand by the State of Kuwait, "under such dark hour, and to make clear that independent states must not be jeopardized, and must not have their legs swallowed by the quicksand." Cameron also said that he takes pride in being a successor of Thatcher, then a successor for a man who helped achieve victory for the coalition, namely John Major," hailing in this respect the 47 British soldiers, and their colleagues of the coalition's force who sacrificed their souls in order to liberate Kuwait.

Speaking on the Middle East Peace Process, Prime Minister Cameron said that there needs to be "an urgent return to talks" so that both Palestinian and Israeli aspirations can be fulfilled. The result should be two states, with Jerusalem as the future capital of both, and a fair settlement for refugees, he stated.

"Just as the Palestinian Authority needs to shoulder its responsibility to tackle violence from the West Bank, Israel needs to meet its Road Map obligation to halt illegal settlement activity as the Resolution Britain supported at the UN Security Council last Friday underlines," the Prime Minister added.

Sign
HH the Prime Minister thanked Cameron for accepting his invitation to visit Kuwait, which comes while the Gulf country is marking its national festivals.

Following the talks, two memos of understanding were inked between both sides on peaceful nuclear usage, technical business and trade cooperation.

Two other memos of cooperation were signed between Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) and British Petroleum (BP) and Shell.

A national personnel training agreement was also hammered out between Kuwait Oil Company and Shell.
The talks were held by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Chairman of the National Security Apparatus Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shimali, Minister of Commerce and Industry Ahmad Al-Haroun, Minister of Health Hilal Al-Sayer and several other state officials as well as the accompanying delegation of the UK prime minister.

Luncheon
His Highness the Prime Minister held a luncheon in honor of David Cameron and the accompanying delegation.

"We are pleased to see you among us as we mark the 50th Anniversary of Independence, 20th Anniversary of Liberation and Fifth Anniversary of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumption of power, " HH the PM told Cameron and the accompanying delegation.

"Great Britain was a partner in the first two occasions and a supportive friend in the third one," he added.

HH the PM Sheikh Nasser recalled the role played by UK military in the liberation of Kuwait from the occupying Iraqi forces in 1991.

"We are deeply grateful to the men and women of the UK army who showed braveness in supporting Kuwait in its ordeal during the Iraqi aggression." HH Sheikh Nasser applauded the close and candid relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

"Kuwait takes pride of the unique friendly ties with Great Britain which His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is keen on bolstering," HH Sheikh Nasser said.

For his part, Cameron voiced gratitude for the hospitality he and his delegation received since they arrived in Kuwait.

He also voiced happiness that this visit coincides with Kuwait's celebrations of the national days.
"It has been a real privilege to join you at this very special time as you celebrate 50 years of independence, and as we mark together 20th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait," Cameron said.
He hailed the productive discussions he held with HH the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH Sheikh Nasser.

The UK Premier also highlighted the historic Kuwaiti-British relations.

"Britain and Kuwait have a unique relationship. And I am determined that will continue. Yes, we have been great friends for 100 years." The UK leader also expressed admiration of the political and economical progress in Kuwait.

"Kuwait's commitment to increased political and economic openness and the gradual development of a liberal, and open society that you are leading will lead to a stronger, better Kuwait and to an ever closer partnership between our nations."

© Arab Times 2011