Ties strategic ... $700b Kuwaiti stake in US
KUWAIT CITY, May 19: Former Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Jaber has affirmed that his experience in diplomatic and political work stemmed from the school of foreign policy of HH the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. Sheikh Salem Al-Jaber made the statement during his recent visit at the Abdulaziz Al-Dughaishem Diwaniya during which he praised the firm values and principles that HH the late Amir instilled in terms of the management of Kuwaiti foreign policy. He pointed out that the foreign affairs minister bears huge responsibilities, particularly building a big network of diplomatic relations with his counterparts around the world.
He said 'there are more than 200 foreign affairs ministers throughout the world, hence, building strong relationships with them requires tremendous efforts and vast experience.' He also stressed the importance of maintaining bilateral relations, especially with Arab and friendly countries. He stated that 'the foreign affairs minister is one of the most important members of the government due to his vital role in overcoming obstacles and strengthening communication with the international community.'
Moreover, Sheikh Salem Al-Jaber revealed that the volume of Kuwaiti investments in the United States of America is estimated at about $700 billion, describing them as a successful model for developing strategic relations between the two countries. He affirmed that US President Donald Trump sought to restore America's golden age in the Gulf region. He pointed out that President Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia 'is considered a pivotal moment in strengthening US relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.' He said the visit has important political dimensions, especially in light of disagreements over regional issues.
Dean of Kuwaiti journalism Ahmed Al-Jarallah also attended the gathering. He said the country has had 46 governments, while underscoring the need to give the foreign affairs minister enough time to build strategic relationships in the interest of the State. Al-Jarallah asserted that the foreign affairs minister or ambassador must be wise, intelligent and with an amiable personality; citing as an example former Kuwaiti Ambassador to the United Kingdom Khaled Al-Duwaisan who served for 30 years and was the 'Dean of the Diplomatic Corps' due to his distinguished relationships, even with the British royal family. On the Palestinian issue, he said Israel does not seek peace, 'because it kills it.' He described the Palestinian issue as a 'case of lost opportunities,' given internal Palestinian divisions and the international community's inability to stop the war in Gaza despite multiple initiatives.
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