KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: The recently-concluded world tour by the Kuwaiti government was not futile, since it is part of the policy of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to improve the current condition of the country to guarantee the successful implementation of political and economic development projects in the future. This concept was highlighted in the speech of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah when he addressed members of his accompanying delegation before their flight to Kuwait from Uruguay, which was the last leg of his official visit to Latin American and Caribbean countries. He focused on the outcome of the trip during his meeting with the delegation. He reiterated that democracy is the major source of Kuwait’s strength in maintaining harmonious relations with the Arab and international communities.

Kuwait is a small but generous country, so any attempt to acquire arms is for self-defense, as it strictly abides by the Constitution. This is clearly manifested in its democratic practice, which provides room for future political improvement. Everybody in the country enjoys freedom of opinion. The Parliament’s position appears stronger every time the members announce their stand on various issues inside the session hall. The prime minister believes the country will be stronger and more efficient if it remains committed to the right democratic practice rather than undue provocation or unrealistic recommendations. This is by far the best and most historic South American tour since the time of Vasco da Gama. It provides an opportunity to diversify national revenues and strengthen economic ties with the rest of the world at a time the country is gradually gearing towards the realization of its dream to become an international economic and financial hub.

Enumerating reasons for his visit to these countries, Sheikh Nasser cited the strong support these nations gave Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion. He pointed out some of these countries deserve commendation for playing a crucial role in the liberation of Kuwait through their armed forces. He asserted Kuwait may need the support of any of these countries in the future, because threats never end and nobody can predict what might happen in the coming days. He attributed the delay in touring these countries to the previous incidents in Kuwait and the entire GCC region; hence, the necessity of the trip in improving the situation not only in the country but also in the whole region.
Sheikh Nasser believes the most significant aspect of the trip is the future of Kuwaiti-Latin American economic ties, which greatly improved in the recent past. He said, “The future is promising, because some of these countries have profitable markets and open sky policies. Kuwait should seize the investment opportunities in these nations, either through the public or private sectors. This trip will have a positive impact on the investment relations of the country.”

The premier added, “It is unfortunate that some people still claim this trip is a personal holiday. Although we respect people’s right to express their opinion, we still expect them to make comments inside the parliamentary building to put everything in the right perspective.” He told the members of the delegation, “You have all endured stress during this trip but you witnessed the outcome as well.”
Sheikh Nasser revealed he met the presidents of the host nations, who appreciated his visit, as well as the delegation and other personalities involved. He said the hosts regarded the members of the delegation as Arab representatives. He also invited former Argentine President Carlos Menem on behalf of the Amir, indicating that Kuwait will invite presidents of all countries, which stood by it during difficult times, to significant festivals.

“We have wasted so much time and we cannot afford any further delay in the implementation of the plan. We have been taking decisive steps to remove the barriers and the overlap of responsibilities within ministries to ease the procedures for executing the projects,” the premier added.
Besides the prime minister’s address to the delegation, they also engaged in a long discussion on the current political and economic situation in the country. They agreed that the development plan is on the right track and there are plans to fast-track execution of the projects. Members of the delegation commended and thanked the prime minister for his concern and for constantly following up the latest developments in the country.