US appreciates Amir mediation

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 20, (Agencies): US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence R. Silverman has reiterated that the United States is “extremely appreciative” of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah’s efforts in mediating in the Gulf dispute.

In an exclusive interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Wednesday, the ambassador stressed that his country and Kuwait believe that it is imperative to bring about a settlement to the Gulf dispute as quickly as possible in order to maintain security and stability of the Middle East and regions beyond. He noted that the US will continue to support efforts of His Highness the Amir as His Highness “wants us to be involved in this”, adding that the US’ endeavors must be synchronized with Kuwait’s efforts because the “GCC security is essential to the safety of the region”.

Silverman pointed out that US President Donald Trump said he was willing to mediate and “we have to see what is necessary” and Kuwait will have ideas as well as the parties concerned. He said that Trump met Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al- Thani yesterday, adding that Sheikh Tamim and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have been on the phone on multiple occasions, in addition to Saudi, UAE officials and Kuwaitis as well.

He said that the US wanted all parties concerned to work together to reach an agreement to the Gulf crisis, pointing to an MoU between the US and Qatar on what should be done and additional steps that need to be taken to fight terrorism and stop financing terrorism.

Furthermore, Silverman has described his country’s relations with the State of Kuwait as “excellent” and both countries enjoy a close and strategic partnership. Silverman said that both the United States and Kuwait work together for the best interest of their peoples, adding that both countries also enjoy good cooperation ties in the security, defense, securing each other’s territories, fighting terrorism and terrorists financing for the sake of prosperity of the region.

He called for building up mutual trade and profitable investments, stressing the importance of expanding “educational connections” between both countries because this is a “foundation block” for bilateral relations. “We both realized we could do more and enhance the relationship and broaden it to other subjects”, pointing to the five generations of Kuwaiti students pursuing their education in his country. He said that the strategic dialogue was created in order to find concrete ways to strengthen bilateral ties, describing both countries’ bilateral ties as “strong and getting stronger.” He described His Highness the Amir’s recent meeting with President Trump as “very successful”, adding that it was important that His Highness the Amir saw the new administration and they heard from His Highness directly.

“We have respect for His Highness,” said Silverman, praising what His Highness the Amir has done for so many years when he was a foreign minister and now as an Amir. “We were able to talk about the region’s issues, GCC issues with great focus on bilateral relations”, noted the ambassador. He said “although we discussed the GCC, His Highness the Amir’s visit was conceived before the dispute started. We were well prepared for His Highness the Amir’s visit.”

The US Ambassador pointed out that both sides were trying to get concrete benefits for both peoples and that is why “we signed the MoU and the arrangements we did.” Commenting on the 2nd strategic dialogue and Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements (CMAAs), Silverman said “we were working throughout the years to try to come to agreements during His Highness’ visit and we were able to accomplish all these arrangements.

President Donald Trump predicted a rapid end to the diplomatic and economic standoff between Qatar and its neighbors Tuesday, during a meeting with the country’s Amir at UN headquarters. “We are right now in a situation where we’re trying to solve a problem in the Middle East and I think we’ll get it solved,” Trump said, describing Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani as a long-time friend. “I have a very strong feeling that it will be solved pretty quickly.” For more than 100 days Qatar has been subject to a Saudi-led boycott that shuttered Qatar’s only land border, denied air space to its national airline and suspended maritime links. The White House has been sympathetic to allegations that Doha has been too cozy with proscribed groups, but has been wary that Gulf disunity has only created an opening for Iran to expand its infl uence in the region.

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