Ties with Austria ‘at their best’: Al-Khubaizi
Relations with Austria “at their best,” reaffirmed Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs Waleed AlKhubaizi on Tuesday.
Preparations are underway for Austria’s visit, part of a European tour by First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah next year, Al-Khubaizi told reporters.
His statement came on the sideline of a reception held by the Austrian Embassy in Kuwait on Tuesday to cel-
(Above): Some photos from the celebration. ebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Both sides are mulling over signing a number of agreements during the anticipated visit, including one on establishing a joint committee, as well as cultural, agricultural, medical and academic agreements, he noted.
Austria backs Kuwait’s exemption of Schengen visa, as the latter received promises to supports its file in this regard, he added, recalling Austria’s support during the 1990 Iraqi invasion to Kuwait.
Trade volume between the two countries “does not live up to ambition, yet serious steps are being taken to sustain commercial cooperation,” he said, pointing out that Kuwait Investment Authority has direct investments in Austria, as well as bilateral energy cooperation, where Kuwaiti companies are supervising oil projects in the European country. (KUNA)