Korea, Kuwait to Boost Ties
By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Han Seung-soo met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Wednesday and discussed ways to boost economic cooperation between the two countries, Han's office said.
Han invited the Kuwaiti government leader to his office in Seoul and discussed various issues of mutual interest. Topics included Korea's participation in energy development and construction projects in Kuwait.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a body that will coordinate diplomatic policies at their foreign ministries.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fields of sports exchanges and environmental protection, the Office of the Prime Minister said.
Sheikh Nasser arrived in Seoul Tuesday for a three-day visit. He is the highest-ranking Kuwaiti official to visit Seoul since the visit by the country's ruler, Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, then prime minister, in 2004.
Earlier in the day, the Kuwaiti prime minister met National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o at Kim's office in Seoul.
He was accompanied by senior officials and entrepreneurs of Kuwait, and will pay a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak at Cheong Wa Dae before leaving Seoul Thursday.
``Nasser's visit will provide a crucial opportunity for the country to strengthen partnership with Kuwait and other Middle Eastern nations,'' the office said.