Kuwait and the United States have a long history of close relations, and a recent White House meeting between Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and President Barack Obama confirmed that it will remain unchanged under his administration. The two leaders had much to discuss, most importantly President Obama’s active pursuit of the Middle East peace process and Kuwait’s status as an influential and moderate Islamic state. The Kuwaiti emir has a reputation as a diplomat with exceptional skills, and has registered many successes in reconciling adversaries. His most recent achievement was in persuading feuding Arab leaders to attend the Arab economic summit Kuwait hosted earlier this year.

The Washington meeting featured an easy and forthright exchange of views between the two heads of states, who explored future collaborative projects and broader global developments. The emir also held talks with Vice President Joseph Biden and Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry.

President Obama spoke of his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Kuwait. He noted that Kuwait had been an “outstanding host for American armed forces” and expressed his confidence that the two countries’ collaborative work would create a climate of greater stability, peace and security in the Middle East.

Sheikh Sabah confirmed that his country will continue to be a partner and ally of the United States, and asserted that Kuwait was committed to promoting and securing peace in all its forms throughout the region.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Sabah characterised the discussions as “very fruitful” and quoted the Kuwaiti emir as saying that President Obama was committed to closing the Guantanamo Bay detention centre and returning the four Kuwaiti nationals detained there.

A State Department source added that Washington appreciated Kuwait’s stabilising influence in the region and the success of its women’s suffrage experiment. He went on to confirm that the United States would always support Kuwait and defend the security of its territory.

Source: Kuwaiti news agency, KUNA