FM underlines importance of twin meetings to support Iraq
Extensive participation in conferences to rebuild Iraq and combat IS
KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah underlined the importance yesterday of hosting the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq (KICRI) and the coalition conference against the so-called Islamic State (IS), which reflects Kuwait’s commitment in supporting Iraq. He confirmed the participation of 74 regional and international organizations and 1,850 international companies in the reconstruction conference.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled told a press conference held on the sidelines of the opening of the KICRI media center that Kuwait’s hosting of these events is an interpretation of the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to support Iraq and stand by its side, and called on all friendly countries as well as international organizations, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to meet in Kuwait and support Kuwait’s efforts in rebuilding Iraq.
The minister added that this comes in line with the principled stance of Kuwait to stand by neighboring Iraq, congratulating Iraq at the same time on its recent victories in liberating its territory from the grip of IS, which was a danger not only to the region but also to the whole world. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that such a broad participation in these events gives them great importance and is a message from the international community regarding its commitment to the security and stability of Iraq and its commitment to the reconstruction of liberated areas.
The minister hoped these conferences and efforts and activities will achieve their intended objectives, adding that since “they have made tremendous efforts to win in time of war, we all must exert greater efforts to win in time of peace.”
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said the first day of the three-day KICRI will be devoted to the Iraq reconstruction program, international assistance in this regard and development work led by civil society organizations in Iraq. The second day will talk about opportunities for the private sector available in Iraq, organized by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the reconstruction conference. The third and final day of the conference will be allocated for a meeting of foreign ministers. The conference will issue a final statement that will include new financial support for Iraq, consisting of grant programs and development loans, in addition to private sector investments.