His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, is currently on a tour to Latin America, set for July 11 to August 1.
His Highness Sheikh Nasser will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Cuba, Guyana, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.
On his landing in Antigua and Barbuda, His Highness, and his entourage of approximately 80 persons, were officially greeted by The Honorable Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and delegates from that country at the Saint John's International Airport in a red carpet ceremony.
His Highness, who flew into Antigua and Barbuda from Geneva Switzerland, will leave the twin island state on July 14, 2010 for his next scheduled visit, which is expected to be Trinidad and Tobago.
The trip to Latin America should serve to enhance relations between Kuwait and the visited countries in all areas. with a view to serving the common interests and coordinating the stances in international forums.
1. Sign an Air Services Agreement which will result in Antigua and Barbuda opening up our industry to welcome tourists and business people from Kuwait with direct, connecting and code-sharing flights
2. Signing of a Trade Agreement; a Cultural and Artistic Agreement; A memorandum of Understanding to develop relations and cooperation in the political, economic and other fields; and an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, opens up a new level of cooperation between both states.
3. A review the of arrangements the loan programme of the Kuwaiti Fund
In May 9, 2009 after the election of the new Parliament, The Emir asked Sheik Mohammed to form the Kuwaiti Government for the sixth consecutive time. The new Government maintained supremacy for the Al-Ahmed Branch of the Al-Sabah Family.
In December 2009, opposition members of parliament filed a motion of "non-cooperation" against the Sheikh Nasser over corruption charges. Allegations were that his office misappropriated millions of dollars in the run up to the 2008 elections, and a $700,000 cheque issued to an MP in 2008.
On 14th May 2010, Amnesty International has called on the Kuwaiti government to release a blogger and journalist who has allegedly been making comments critical of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister.
The writer has been questioned by State Security officials about articles and books he has published, including those published up to five years ago.
The arrest and detention of Muhammad 'Abd al-Qader al-Jasem is apparently in breach of Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.
UN human rights experts say alleged defamation of public figures, such as politicians, should not be criminalized, as those in the public eye "should be expected to tolerate more criticism than private citizens".
JAMAICA is to open an embassy in Kuwait City, the capital and largest city of the Arab emirate of Kuwait, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr Kenneth Baugh has announced.
jamaicanobserver.coom
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer Remarks Official Signing Ceremony on the Visit to Antigua and Barbuda by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sahab Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait July 13, 2010
His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed and members of the Kuwaiti delegation; Assalam o alaikum!
It is indeed a special privilege and an honour to welcome you and your delegation to Antigua and Barbuda.
On behalf of the people and Government of our twin island nation, I express our great appreciation to you for honouring us with your visit. Our two nations, although significantly different in population and size, have found a basis for friendship and bilateral cooperation that respects the interests of both sides.
My government today, reaffirms our commitment to developing and strengthening the excellent relations that we now enjoy. We regard the State of Kuwait as a genuine partner as we aspire to grow and develop both of our nations.
It is good to recall that our relations have a long history, which includes Antigua and Barbuda’s support for your country and condemnation of Iraq’s invasion in 1991. Our country played a major role in CARICOM’s condemnation of this heinous crime against your people.
We are equally supportive of your government today in your efforts to deepen the levels of cooperation with Iraq which has led to positive developments on the ground.
Antigua and Barbuda will continue to support the confidence and cooperation building process being explored by Kuwait and Iraq and hope that this level of relations will lead to the resolution of a larger set of outstanding issues between your country and Iraq.
This method of cooperation that is also being supported by the international community highlights the importance of the State of Kuwait to peace and stability in the Middle East.
Your Highness:
Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is highly based on the provision of tourism services to an international market. The Middle East, particularly Kuwait has tremendous potential for cooperation in the filed of travel.
My Government today welcomes your Government’s decision to sign an Air Services Agreement which will result in Antigua and Barbuda opening up our industry to welcome tourists and business people from Kuwait with direct, connecting and code-sharing flights.
We look forward to welcoming the first passenger flight from Kuwaiti Airways into Antigua and Barbuda.
Your Highness:
The signing today of a Trade Agreement; a Cultural and Artistic Agreement; A memorandum of Understanding to develop our relations and cooperation in the political, economic and other fields; and an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, opens up a new level of cooperation between both of our states.
We also welcome your government’s decision to engage my Government in reviewing the arrangements as set out in our loan programme with the Kuwaiti Fund. We look forward in earnest in discussing this vitally important aspect of our programme of debt and structural reforms.
Your Highness
As our relations develop, we will remain mindful of how great a friend and partner the State of Kuwait has been to Antigua and Barbuda.
We intend to continue to support Kuwait in its efforts to pursue a moderate and balanced foreign policy, and approaching all relations with faith in friendship, peace, human development, economic prosperity and cooperation with international and regional organizations in support of their efforts to maintain security and stability around the world.
I look forward to us moving forward together in the interest of both of our countries.
Your Highness:
May peace be upon you and may God’s blessings be with you.