KUWAIT CITY, Nov 13, (Agencies): Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, State Minister for Housing Affairs and State Minister for Development Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahd Al-Sabah announced a new initiative to stabilize relations between Kuwait and Iraq, which will help close the Saddam invasion chapter, reports Al-Seyassah daily.The minister said this new initiative is based on two pillars — Kuwait and Iraq — establishing a new mutual free trade zone with the cooperation of an organization.
In an interview with the Iraqi Al-Furat channel Thursday night, he revealed this plan mirrors the Kuwait-Saudi program in the divided area.
He affirmed the free trade zone will provide several economic opportunities that will help solve compensation and debt-related issues.
“The free trade zone may be the best solution for free economies in the future, since its investment profits will benefit both nations”, he added.
Sheikh Al-Fahd mentioned this kind of project joins both countries in a special bond, and hoped they would consider the idea through dialogue.
Sheikh Al-Fahd mentioned this kind of project joins both countries in a special bond, and hoped they would consider the idea through dialogue.
He elaborated that such positive steps should be taken as soon as possible, because all previous experiences have shown that neither country can impose its agenda on the other. He also spoke about the debt issue, saying Kuwait and Iraq have different perspectives on the matter.
“We are governed by local constitutional mechanisms, which allow us to act only to bring about harmony in the country”, he said. The minister felt that Iraqi people have begun to participate in decision-making after the downfall of the Iraqi regime and the reconstruction of the country.
He said this attitude not only makes Kuwaitis comfortable, but also encourages other countries to build friendly relations with Iraq. He added that the relationship between Kuwait and Iraq is a historical one, replete with positive and negative experiences.
Sheikh Al-Fahad opined that an individual should not base his perspective of the other country by recalling the darkest phase for the nations; instead one should learn from previous incidents and develop strong ties with their brothers.
Sheikh Al-Fahad opined that an individual should not base his perspective of the other country by recalling the darkest phase for the nations; instead one should learn from previous incidents and develop strong ties with their brothers.
The minister added he has a strong desire to visit Iraq, but is being held back by his responsibilities as a minister. He enthused about the invitations he has received to meet the people of Iraq, and said he will visit the country as soon as possible.
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah affirmed on Thursday necessity of boosting bilateral relations with Iraq on basis of joint interests of the two brotherly peoples “who should be partners in life as their innocent martyrs shared graves.”
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad, in an interview with the Iraqi satellite television channel, “Al-Furat,” said the international community and neighboring states namely Kuwait have become much more enthusiastic for re-establishing ties with Iraq after the nation laid its wheels on the track of modernization following the downfall of the defunct regime and establishment of democracy that allowed the Iraqi people take part in decision making and administrative and state responsibilities.
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad, in an interview with the Iraqi satellite television channel, “Al-Furat,” said the international community and neighboring states namely Kuwait have become much more enthusiastic for re-establishing ties with Iraq after the nation laid its wheels on the track of modernization following the downfall of the defunct regime and establishment of democracy that allowed the Iraqi people take part in decision making and administrative and state responsibilities.
“If we manage to set our priorities in order and hold positive negotiations on the basis of common interests, I believe that we can put behind us a lot of previous experiences and create an environment for current and future relations in line with the aspirations of both sides.”
Asked about necessity of resolving some of the pending issues between the two neighbors ahead of exerting efforts for cementing the ties, namely the debts and compensations, Sheikh Ahmad affirmed that each of the two sides maintains different views on these issues, on the basis of specific arguments and documents.
Asked about necessity of resolving some of the pending issues between the two neighbors ahead of exerting efforts for cementing the ties, namely the debts and compensations, Sheikh Ahmad affirmed that each of the two sides maintains different views on these issues, on the basis of specific arguments and documents.
The deputy premier indicated that the top decision makers in Kuwait do not take decisions in a personal manner, but through coordination and consultation with the constitutional authorities and departments, such as the National Assembly. “We cannot take action with lack of general consensus accepted by the Kuwaiti people whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution.”
Sheikh Ahmad, in his lengthy strategic assessment of the relationship with Iraq, indicated at some recent positive progress at this level such as the meeting that grouped His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri Al-Maliki, on sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York where “certain frameworks were laid down for discussions on such issues.”
Sheikh Ahmad, in his lengthy strategic assessment of the relationship with Iraq, indicated at some recent positive progress at this level such as the meeting that grouped His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and his Iraqi counterpart, Nouri Al-Maliki, on sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York where “certain frameworks were laid down for discussions on such issues.”
He indicated that some of these “frameworks” upon which the two sides were in consensus, was the establishment of economic relations aimed at rebuilding the infrastructure in Iraq, namely with the launch of investments. However, Sheikh Ahmad indicated that he wished to hear calls in Kuwait for speeding up steps on this particular track.
