President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday urged on resolving the issue of Kuwaiti ban on visas for Pakistani nationals. The President said this in a meeting with speaker of the National Assembly of Kuwait Marzouq Ali M Al-Ghanim, who called on him along with a delegation at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The President said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Kuwait and wished to enhance cooperation in all mutually beneficial areas. The President noted that Pakistani community was making positive contribution to the socio-economic development of Kuwait.
He said that the strong Pakistani community in Kuwait was an important bridge between the two countries, adding that Pakistan would be happy to meet future manpower requirements of Kuwait. The President stated that Pakistan and Kuwait had always stood by each other in testing times. He said that Pakistan wished to further enhance and balance bilateral trade volume with Kuwait.
He hoped that early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would also be helpful in expanding bilateral trade. The President said Pakistan was an investment friendly country and an attractive destination for foreign investors because of its liberal investment policy and high rate of return. Noting with appreciation that a number of projects in Pakistan are being funded by Kuwait, the President said Pakistan would welcome further investment from Kuwait in mega infrastructure and energy projects.
The President stated that enhanced defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait was important in the wake of ever-increasing menace of terrorism, extremism and current challenges facing the region. During the meeting, the President also conveyed his prayers and good wishes for good health and long life of the Amir of the State of Kuwait as well as for the progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Kuwait.