Kuwait Ambassador to US meets with US Commerce Secretary
Kuwaiti Ambassador to the US, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to discuss bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
In a statement to KUNA on Wednesday, the Kuwaiti Embassy said Sheikha Al-Zain stressed the deep-rooted US-Kuwait partnership and highlighted the diplomatic efforts that led to the formation of an international coalition to liberate Kuwait in February 1991.
Sheikha Al-Zain underscored the lasting impact of this historic moment on the Kuwaiti people and reiterated Kuwait’s profound gratitude to the US for its role in 1991, and in response, Secretary Lutnick reaffirmed the enduring importance of these historical ties.
The ambassador further expressed the pride shared by both nations in their shared history, noting that Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm were not only triumphs of military precision and strategic cooperation but also an innovative financial model funded by Kuwait and allied contributions.
She emphasized that Kuwait ensured the US and its taxpayers bore no financial burden for the liberation of Kuwait.
Sheikha Al-Zain pointed out that the contributions from Kuwait and its allies not only covered all expenses but also generated a significant financial surplus, reflecting the exceptional nature of this approach.
She also highlighted the international cooperation that extended beyond the war, citing efforts to combat the massive fires ignited in Kuwait’s oil fields during the Gulf War, and noted that Kuwait’s resilience and leadership played a crucial role in successfully executing one of the largest and most efficient firefighting operations in history.
She praised the extraordinary efforts of Kuwaiti firefighters, engineers, and oil specialists who worked tirelessly alongside international teams, demonstrating remarkable skills, determination, and innovation in one of the most complex firefighting operations ever undertaken.
She also highlighted that the swift mobilization of joint efforts, combined with the expertise of leading American firms, was a testament to the strength of global cooperation in overcoming environmental and economic crises, while Secretary Lutnick commended Kuwait’s partnership with American companies in managing the oil fires.
On economic matters, Sheikha Al-Zain reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to open-market policies that support businesses, emphasizing that the country maintains one of the world’s lowest tariff rates, set at a consistent five percent for all trade partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the US.
She also stressed that Kuwait imposes no protectionist tariffs on American products and that many goods, particularly those imported for US military operations, are exempt under national laws and economic agreements.
Secretary Lutnick welcomed these policies, praising Kuwait’s openness as a key factor in strengthening future economic relations.
In terms of investment, Sheikha Al-Zain highlighted Kuwait’s significant economic presence in the US, represented by the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security, and the private sector.
She emphasized that Kuwaiti institutions and private investors have made substantial and strategic investments in the US market, reflecting Kuwait’s strong confidence in the long-term strength and growth of the American economy, and Secretary Lutnick acknowledged the importance of these investments in further deepening the economic ties between the two nations.
The meeting concluded with Secretary Lutnick thanking Sheikha Al-Zain for the productive discussions and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening and expanding US-Kuwait relations, and Sheikha Al-Zain, in turn, reiterated Kuwait’s dedication to ensuring the continuation and prosperity of these bilateral relations.
Source: KUNA
