His Highness Sheikh Sabah first Kuwaiti Amir to visit Brunei

gained independence in 1984, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Brunei Fahad Al-Dhafeeri.


The historic visit set for October 11 to 12 comes by an invitation from Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Wad'daulah to boost economic, trade and investment ties, Al-Dhafeeri told KUNA.


Brunei was among the first countries to support Kuwait's candidacy for non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council from 2018 to 2019, he noted.
He added that bilateral ties have been growing in the past few years as the two sides exchanged several visits involving senior officials.

In this matter, he mentioned the visit of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to Kuwait in May last year, where he signed a memorandum of understanding on investment.
The sultan also headed his country's delegation in the first Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit held in Kuwait in 2014. During the event, Brunei was among the first to pledge for the fund to support Asia, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Sabah.

The country also supported Kuwait's recommendation to establish a permanent secretariat for the summit, headquartered in Kuwait, he added.


The ambassador noted that His Highness' visit will involve signing six agreements and memorandums of understanding on tourism, higher education, scientific research, avoiding double taxation and entry permits for diplomats.


Meanwhile, Al-Dhafeeri noted the visit of Kuwait's parliamentary friendship group to Brunei in June 2014, where they met with Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Al-Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and other senior officials to discuss boosting parliamentary cooperation.


Moreover, Speaker of the Legislative Council of Brunei Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib is set to visit Kuwait from 14 to 17 November, invited by Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, aiming to take joint-stance against different Islamic and regional issues.


Brunei's capital Bandar Seri Begawan will host the third session of the joint-economic cooperation committee between the two sides, from December 5 to 6. The session will discuss the previously-signed memorandum of understanding on boosting investment, said Al-Dhafeeri.


Kuwait and Brunei started diplomatic mission exchange in 1990, while Kuwait Embassy opened in 2008, after an official visit by former Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah

Source: KUNA