HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
receives Australia's Governor General Peter John Cosgrove
His Highness the Kuwait's Amir receives Australia's Governor General
Kuwait’s Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Australia's Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his accompanying delegation at Bayan Palace.
Official talks convened between the two sides headed by HH Sheikh Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and senior state officials.
Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah said the two sides delved into ways of enhancing ties in various fields. The talks were dominated by a cordial and friendly atmosphere reflecting on the deep-rooted ties between the two countries.
HH Amir Sheikh Sabah also held a luncheon for the Australian delegation.
At the palace, Sir Peter received a visit by National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, HH Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The meetings were attended by head of the mission of honour, Amiri Diwan Advisor, Mohammad Abdullah Abulhassan.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Australia Najib Al-Bader
According to Kuwaiti Ambassador to Australia Najib Al-Bader, the size of the annual commercial trade between Kuwait and Australia was valued at US$700 million.
HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
receives Australia's Governor General Peter John Cosgrove
The most important Australian exports to Kuwait are related to cars and spare parts industry, frozen meat, dairy products, cattle and wheat, he noted.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti companies and institutions are investing US$12 billion in Australia.
The Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) is implementing 18 oil investments projects in Western Australia in the hope of starting production by the end of 2016, he said.
On the other hand, Q8 Aviation will grow its share in fueling operations at Sydney International Airport, he added.
Australia is considered one of the most important destinations for Kuwaiti tourists, as 5,000 Kuwaitis visited the country this year, the diplomat added.
He praised the distinguished co-operation between both nations in multilateral international work, and in supporting candidacies for membership of international organisations.
HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
receives Australia's Governor General Peter John Cosgrove
Al-Bader applauded the eminent level of academic co-operation between Australian institutions and research centers and Kuwait with 1150 Kuwaitis enrolled in universities all over the Australia.
Australian envoy lauds ties
Kuwait and Australia have a strong relationship in all areas, especially since Australia’s involvement in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, said Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Warren Hauck.
The two countries have plenty to co-operate about, especially in military matters where they are partners in fighting terrorism in the Middle East, as they both participated in meetings that Kuwait hosted for the coalition to fight the so-called Islamic State (IS), the ambassador told KUNA.
"It's pleasing to see the increasing number of Kuwaiti student in Australia. Ten years ago, the number was 180, but last year it was about 1400, a very good growth that reflects the strength of the education system in Australia, which is at the top of the world standard," Mr Hauck said.
HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
receives Australia's Governor General Peter John Cosgrove
In trade, "Kuwait has always been a good market as the trade with Australia came to about US$700 million. Kuwait for us is the largest market in the world for livestock and wheat trade," and for years it has been a large market for car exports, where Australia have much more to offer.
"Australia is looking forward for free trade agreement with Kuwait and GCC," he said.
The governor's visit will focus on education and business, as well as defence links between the two countries, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of liberation of Kuwait.
HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
receives Australia's Governor General Peter John Cosgrove
