Kuwait, Croatia hold first round of political talks

KUWAIT: The first round of political talks between Kuwait and Croatia was held late Monday at the level of senior officials on the occasion of 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Walid Al-Khubaizi headed the Kuwait side, while Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Vice Skracic headed the Croatian delegation. During the talks, both sides discussed cooperation in various fields included health, education, scientific research, and the exchange of military training courses. They also discussed latest development on the regional and international scenes and the positions of both countries toward various issues, in addition to reviewing the role of Kuwait during its non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council. As for Kuwait investment in Croatia, estimated at $17 million, Khubaizi stresses the need to take the trade level between the two countries into higher levels that would suit the outstanding bilateral relations. The two countries confirmed the importance of enhancing cooperation in international forums, and to continue to support efforts aims to end crises and challenges through diplomatic channels and dialogue.

Khubaizi pointed out that both sides reviewed the outcomes of the meeting between the Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during her visit to Kuwait in 2017. They also reviewed outcomes of the talks, held between His Highness the Amir with Croatian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Arabic European summit held in Sharm el-Sheikh last April. On the other hand, Khubaizi valued the desire of Croatian officials to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector through providing the necessary facilities to attract Kuwaiti tourists. The Kuwaiti official praised the existing cooperation between Kuwait and the European Union, looking forward to further cooperation as Croatia takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union early next year. He expressed appreciation to Croatia’s invitation to Kuwait to participate in the meeting of political directors in the European Union Foreign Ministry, which will be held in the

Croatian capital, Zagreb, to review topics of interest and developments in the Middle East. — KUNA

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kuwait Martin Dvorak hosted a reception recently on the occasion of his country’s national day. Senior officials, diplomats and media persons attended the event, which took place at Crowne Plaza Hotel.

— KUNA KUWAIT: Ambassador Walid Al-Khubaizi and Ambassador Vice Skracic in a group picture with a number of officials.