Suleiman, Kuwaiti Emir Discuss 'Boosting Cooperation, Regional Issues'

President Michel Suleiman on Sunday held talks in Kuwait with Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah on “strengthening the brotherly and special bilateral ties” between the countries and “the latest developments in the region and the world,” Kuwait’s state-run news agency KUNA reported.

Suleiman, who arrived in Kuwait at noon Sunday, was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Moqbel.

The talks “witnessed a friendly atmosphere that reflected the spirit of brotherhood that characterizes the bilateral ties and the common desire for further cooperation and coordination at all levels, in a manner that would contribute to consolidating and reinforcing Arab solidarity,” KUNA said.

The meeting was attended by Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Nawwaf al-Ahmed al-Sabah, Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah and other top Kuwaiti officials.

Suleiman’s trip to Kuwait came after talks on Friday in Jeddah with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

The president announced on Wednesday that he would visit Kuwait “to encourage tourism” after its foreign ministry and three other Gulf countries issued a travel advisory to Lebanon.

Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain issued the travel warnings after deadly clashes erupted between pro- and anti-Syrian groups in Beirut and the northern city of Tripoli last month.

Suleiman said Saturday that the Lebanese are anxiously waiting for Kuwaiti tourists this summer.

In an interview with KUNA, Suleiman added: “The Lebanese will not forget the support of the Kuwaiti emir, the government and the people.”

“The Lebanese are anxiously awaiting for the Kuwaitis this summer during the tourism season,” he said. “Lebanon officially and at the popular level is ready to embrace them and ensure their security, freedom and dignity.”