KUWAIT CITY, March 31: Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kuwait Emil Karimov highlighted the close relations between Kuwait and Azerbaijan. In a press statement issued on the sidelines of an Iftar banquet he organized in honor of the media, recently, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the ambassador revealed that the number of Kuwaiti tourists visiting his country reached 30,000 last year, and he hopes this number will increase to 100,000 in the near future. He said, “We are working with Kuwait to strengthen cooperation between us in all fields. The volume of trade exchange between the two countries has not reached the required level, as it reached USD 650 thousand dollars last year.” Ambassador Karimov called for an increase in Kuwaiti investments in his country, especially in the liberated areas, stressing that his country has vast lands, and foreigners can own real estate without paying taxes.

Tourism
He indicated that the embassy has an ambition to increase the number of Kuwaiti tourists to 100,000 annually by promoting tourism in Azerbaijan. Ambassador Karimov revealed that the third session of the second joint committee between the two countries will be held in Kuwait before the end of this year, adding that it prepares the general framework for discussing ways of cooperation between the two sides in all fields. He highlighted his country’s desire to benefit from the Kuwaiti experience and expertise in clearing mines and to use them to clear the mines present in the liberated Nagorno-Karabakh area. Ambassador Karimov indicated that the information they obtained from the Armenian side is not accurate. He stressed his country’s keenness to call for a ceasefire in Gaza Strip and stop the bloodbath and killing of innocent children, the elderly and women.

The ambassador said his country opened a representative office in Ramallah, which demonstrates its close relationship with the Palestinian Authority and its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Meanwhile, Ambassador Karimov revealed his keenness to communicate with Kuwaiti society by visiting diwaniyas during Ramadan and attending Ramadan ghabga. He said he believes this good tradition enhances communication between members of society, as poetry collections are a societal culture that distinguishes Kuwait from other countries. The ambassador praised the support of the local media to strengthen relations between the two countries and highlight the embassy’s activities. He extended his congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the people of Kuwait on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, wishing Kuwait further development, prosperity and growth under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir.

By Fares Al-Abdan

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff