Tunisian FM highlights political, economic stability in Kuwait

VIENNA: Tunisian Foreign Minister Khamis Al-Jehinawi has praised the political and economic stability in Kuwait, mainly attributed to the wise directives and leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Interviewed on Sunday at the end of a European tour, Jehinawi said that Kuwait has had a leading role toward world issues, pointing to the country’s political, economic and humanitarian initiatives to end conflicts and realize stability in the region.

He proudly pointed to the UN honoring of His Highness the Amir as a ‘Humanitarian Leader’ and Kuwait as a ‘Humanitarian Center.’ This honoring offers a clear evidence how the international community holds His Highness the Amir in high esteem. It also came in recognition of Kuwait’s hard efforts for security and stability worldwide.

Referring to Kuwait’s participation in an international conference to support the economy and investment in Tunisia, the minister said that his country is keen on boosting bilateral ties in all fields, especially economy and politics. Bilateral relations are “distinct and deep-rooted,” he said.

Jehinawi stressed the positive outcome of the visit Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi paid to Kuwait last year, on ties between the two countries. The minister himself visited Kuwait last month delivering a written message from Essebsi to His Highness the Amir inviting him to attend the international conference on economy and investment in Tunisia slated for November 20-30.

Kuwait has always been a pioneer in supporting Tunisia in all fields, he said, adding that the country’s participation in the event would guarantee it success to promote the Tunisian economy. Kuwait’s investments in Tunisia cover various sectors, mainly tourism and hotels, he said, noting that these investments found their way into the North African since the 1970s through the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA).

Jehinawi emphasized the role of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and its contributions to several grand projects in Tunisia, focusing on infrastructure. Most recently, KFAED signed a loan agreement to offer Tunisia $22 million for the developing the drinking water network in the country. In the meantime, the chief diplomat urged the Arab and foreign countries to enhance the flow of capital into the Tunisian economy. He underlined keenness by the Tunisian leadership to revive the economy, to curb unemployment and fulfill the expectations of the people.