TOKYO, Oct 23 (KUNA) -- Visiting Kuwaiti legislators have examined in talks with Japanese counterparts Tokyo's privatization expertise and debated with the hosts diverse Middle Eastern issues.

The discussions between a visiting delegation of the Kuwaiti Parliament Friendship Committee and Japan's House of Councillors President and House of Representatives Vice-Speaker focused on Japan's expertise in privatization and environmental action, while the latter sought Kuwait's help on its effort to attain permanent membership in the UN Security Council.

The Kuwaiti delegation also met with members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Upper House.

Kuwaiti MP Ahmad Al-Mulaifi told KUNA the two sides showed that they shared understanding on economic, investment, and commerce issues. Head of the Kuwaiti delegation also said "We are also keen to learn (from) Japan's measures to realize privatization of (its) postal system, and their experiences (in) tackling environmental problems."

Al-Mulaifi also urged continued Japanese support to Iraq reconstruction and expressed hope to see bolstered parliamentary coordination and communication between the two nations.

Delegation member Hussein Al-Huraiti separately told KUNA the visit provided opportunity to exchange views on regional concerns and further people-people dialogue and interaction.

MP Faisal Al-Shaya meanwhile expressed hope Tokyo would play a more active role to create peace in the region, especially in efforts concerning Iraq, Lebanon, and Iran.

The Kuwaiti side also recalled with appreciation Japan's support after the 1990 Saddam aggression on Kuwait and during the war to liberate Kuwait.

On the Japanese side, House of Councillors President Satsuki Eda and House of Representatives Vice-Speaker Takahiro Yokomichi both expressed appreciation for Kuwait's support to Japan's aid mission in Iraq.

Based in Kuwait, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has been engaged in airlifting supplies to Iraq for the UN and the multinational forces.

Noting that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese premier to visit Kuwait in April, Yokomichi stressed his country attaches great importance to reinforcing Kuwaiti-Japanese relations, while calling on Kuwaiti lawmakers strengthened efforts to improve the business and investment climate.

The Japanese officials also urged Kuwait to support Tokyo's aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, while showing their willingness to enhance mutual exchanges in the fields of environment, information, and universities.

"As the two countries enjoy strong relations, we hope Kuwait (would) take an initiative to advance talks for a free trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," a Japanese lawmaker told Kuwaiti legislators.

Meanwhile, Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari said Japan fully intends to boost cooperation with Kuwait on many levels and to speed up ongoing negotiations on the agreement for the avoidance of double taxation as well as FTA talks with the GCC.

The official recalled Japan's dependence on oil supplies from Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council states.

With Kuwait accounting for as much as 10 percent of Japan's total crude oil imports, the Japanese side extended appreciation to Kuwait for its steady energy supplies to the world's third-biggest oil consumer.

Amari made the remarks during an evening reception honoring the Kuwaiti MPs, hosted by Kuwaiti Charge d'affaires Khaled Al-Mutairi. The visiting delegation also includes MPs Adel Al-Sarawi, Ali Al-Rashed, and Marzouq Al-Ghanim.

The delegation conveyed invitations to the Japanese parliament speakers from National Assembly Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi to make a visit to Kuwait, which was cordially accepted.

By Miyoko Ishigami