JEDDAH, July 4, (Agencies): King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia received at his palace in Jeddah Monday His Highness the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who arrived earlier in the day.
King Abdullah and Sheikh Nasser discussed means of cementing bilateral relations in all domains, the common march of the GCC countries, recent developments in the Islamic and Arab arenas, official media reported.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides.
Sheikh Nasser’s visit to Saudi Arabia is the first leg of a tour to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He will also visit Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and The UAE.
Sheikh Nasser was received upon his arrival in Jeddah by Saudi Prince Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Second Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Interior, Head of the accompanying mission of honor, Saudi Minister of Trade and Industry Abdullah Zainal, Consul-General of Kuwait in Jeddah Saleh Ali Al-Saqoubi, and members of the Kuwaiti embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Nasser said, in a statement upon his arrival, that he feels happy in visiting Saudi Arabia, “which we hold along with its people in high esteem, “ asserting that “we take pride in its firm stances, and pioneering role for serving the issues of the Arab and Muslim nations.” Sheikh Nasser also said that his visit to Saudi Arabia comes as an embodiment of the deep-rooted ties binding the two brotherly peoples, and as a real rendition of constant contacts between HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz.
Finally, Sheikh Nasser conveyed the greetings and appreciation of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as those of Kuwaiti people to the Saudi King, Saudi people, and Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and General Inspector-in-Chief.
Gulf Arab rulers should enact economic and political reforms or risk raising the ire of their citizens, Sheikh Nasser was quoted as saying in the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat on Monday.
Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah remarks came two weeks after the country’s Amir warned there would be “zero tolerance” for anyone threatening Kuwait’s security.
The world’s fourth largest oil exporter has seen limited demonstrations but, thanks to a generous welfare system, avoided the mass protests that toppled rulers in Egypt and Tunisia.

“We believe that the reform process in all the (Gulf) countries are an important and crucial matter,” Sheikh Nasser told the daily during a tour of the Gulf Arab states.
“It is not possible to realise growth and stability in any country without economic and political reforms and to realise welfare of the peoples.”
In January, the government announced plans to spend nearly $5 billion, or around 4 percent of its GDP, on cash grants and free food rations.
Kuwait, which sits on 10 percent of global crude reserves, grants more political freedom than Gulf neighbours such as Saudi Arabia where few dare criticise the government or members of the ruling family.
Sheikh Nasser, who is currently heading his seventh government since his appointment by Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in 2006, has undergone fierce criticism from Kuwaiti opposition for what they say is his failure to fulfil the demands of the people.
He survived a non-cooperation motion against him in parliament last month after being questioned about favouring relations with Iran over other Gulf neighbours.
On Monday, Sheikh Nasser called for improved relations with Iran. Relations between the two states have deteriorated over the past year with Kuwait accusing Iran of running a spy cell in the Gulf state.

“We always strive to strengthen our relations and collaboration in various areas with the Islamic Republic of Iran as it is a Muslim neighbour and we have historic ties with it,” Sheikh Nasser was quoted as saying.
On issues to be discussed with GCC leaders, he said he would discuss with them fraternal relations and coordinative views on regional and international issues.
Asked about a possible third crossing between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, he said bilateral consultations were still under way in this respect.
On recent events in Bahrain, he said the Kingdom of Bahrain has largely restored stability thanks to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s keenness on the country’s national interest, together with the launching of national dialogue involving all parties concerned.
On relations with Iraq, he said Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations have largely improved over recent years since the downfall of Saddam Hussein, reiterating Kuwait’s support to Iraq’s stability.
“Kuwait always talks with Iraq directly over different issues. We feel that the Iraqi leadership is keen on resolving all outstanding issues and supporting relations,” he said.