10/10/2010
H.H. Amir calls on Arabs, Africans to bolster cooperation to face world challenges
SIRTE, Libya, H.H. the Amir (of Kuwait) Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah called on African and Arab nations on Sunday to bolster ties among them to face rising global challenges and achieve the aspirations of their peoples for greater cooperaton.
"The African and Arab worlds, guided by historic links, long heritage, interests and hopes and joint fate and in accordance with the aspirations of our peoples to achieve a better future are called on together for serious and ongoing drive to strengthen bridges between us," HH the Amir said in his address before the opening session of the Afro-Arab summit.
HH the Amir said that Arabs and Africans are urged to establish a strategic partnership in order to realize broader cooperation.
The Amir noted that Kuwait, through distinguished bilateral ties and heavy diplomatic presence in many African nations, has put such partnership into perspective, namely in the economic and political fields.
He said that Kuwait has numerous contributions and investments in many Arab and African countries.
The Amir said that the ongoing conflicts in Somalia and Sudan are a great source of concern to Arabs and Africans, adding that Kuwait will do its utmost to bring a happy ending to them.
He pointed out that Kuwait will host a conference on the construction of Sudan and will also embrace the next Arab summit in 2013.
Other concerns include desertification and drought in many African regions, as well as obstacles hindering economic development, he said.
The Amir said that holding the Sirte summit comes amid international and regional political and economic challenges which require joint efforts.
He said that since joining the UN in 1963, Kuwait has done a great deal toward supporting development in the Arab and African worlds, establishing the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) which has granted over USD 14.5 billion to more than 100 countries, 40 of which in the southern parts of Africa.
He added that Arabs pin great importance to ties with Africa since its stability and security "is a stability and security for our entire Arab region".
Meanwhile, the Amir condemned the "terrorist plots" against Bahrain and Yemen and expressed full support to all measures taken by both countries to safeguard their security and sovereignty.
He said that Kuwait follows up developments related to the Iraqi government, hoping that the Iraqis would succeed in forming their government to achieve their aspirations.
The Amir condemned the Israeli anti-peace stance, which has impeded efforts to realize a better partnership with Africa.
KUNA
Sunday, October 10, 2010
H.H. Amir calls on Arabs, Africans to bolster cooperation to face world challenges ...
