The first ever visit of Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jabber Al-Sabah to Pakistan from June 19 will prove to be "a turning point" in relations between two brotherly Muslim countries, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here, on Saturday.
"We are delighted with historic and imperative visit of Amir of Kuwait and looking forward to warmly welcome a great world leader," Shaukat Aziz said in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
"People of Pakistan look to Kuwait, as their brother and friend," he said. He recalled his meeting with the Amir on the demise of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and said he saw a man of courage. "He is man with great vision. Kuwait will definitely further prosper under his leadership."
The Prime Minister said the visit is very important as the Amir is coming here after touring other countries of the region and exploring vast avenues of trade and investment. Pakistan is one of largest buyers of Kuwaiti oil and made impressive economic development during President Pervez Musharraf's government.
Our country is full of opportunities, potential, pride and offers conducive environment for investment, he said and invited Kuwaiti investors and businessmen to invest in Pakistan.
He emphasised on energy sector specifically, saying energy needs of Pakistan, a developing nation, are growing. To meet this challenge, the government is entering in new corridors of energy co-operation.
During two-day stay, the Amir will meet Prime Minister, President, speakers and members of both the houses of parliament. He will head a high-level delegation, of chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry, leading businessmen and officials.
A whole gamut of bilateral, regional and international issues will be discussed with Amir, said Shaukat Aziz. These include Palestine, Afghanistan and Iraq and issues concerning Muslim Ummah. A number of MoUs will be signed to enhance co-operation in political, cultural, trade, economic, defence, investment, tourism, and commerce sectors. He said Pakistan intends to begin co-production or joint production with Kuwait in security and defence. Pakistan is making jet fighters and other equipment. A number of Gulf states look to Pakistan for its defence production. "We want Kuwait to buy defence equipment from us."
Pakistan stood side-by-side with its brotherly country, Kuwait, which reciprocated it. Thousands of Pakistani troops helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation of 1990 under UN platform and thousands of workers contributed to its reconstruction and development, he added. He thanked Kuwaiti assistance following devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake.