UAE honors Amir, ties hailed

Abu Dhabi [UAE], March 6: HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by a delegation of officials, arrived on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi on a state visit. A squadron of UAE military aircraft accompanied HH the Amir's plane across Emirati airspace. Upon his arrival in the UAE capital's airport, HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal was received by the UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and senior officials.
HH the Amir was accorded an elaborate welcome at Qasr Al-Watan (the UAE Presidential Palace). Upon arrival of HH the Amir's motorcade at the palace, horse and camel riders lined up on the sides of the road, while popular troupes performed folkloric shows, amid overflights by "Fursan Al-Emarat" (the UAE Knights) aircraft in a dazzling formation depicting Kuwait's flag. A military band blew trumpets and gunners greeted the Amir's motorcade with a 21-gun salute, with children waving Kuwaiti and UAE flags lining up along the sides of the road leading to the palace.
Upon arrival at the stand of honor, the two countries' national anthems were played. HH the Amir then shook hands with the UAE sheikhs and senior state officials, while UAE President Sheikh Mohammad welcomed HH the Amir and his entourage.
HH the Amir said his state visit to the UAE would mark "a new beginning" for further strengthening bilateral relations and an affirmation of unity of common positions. HH the Amir, in a speech during summit talks with Sheikh Mohammad at Qasr Al-Watan, said he was looking forward to promoting a bilateral relationship within the march of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) "to achieve the interest of the two countries and their people".
HH the Amir, who said special relations with the UAE dated back decades, expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership and people for the warm welcome and hospitality, which reflected "the strong historic relations and the genuine fraternity between our countries and people". Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed welcomed HH the Amir and wished success for his leadership towards further progress and prosperity at all levels.
The official talks dealt with economic, trade, investment and development relations, which witnessed giant leaps in the past years, which would contribute to honoring development goals and boosting sustainable prosperity. The two leaders also underlined the importance of supporting common Gulf action amidst regional and international challenges, in a way that would achieve common interests of the GCC countries and their people, as well as contribute to boosting regional security and stability.
They affirmed that Kuwait and the UAE were firm supporters of the GCC and its interests. Sheikh Mohammad said the tour of HH the Amir to GCC countries mirrored his keenness to support the Gulf bloc, bolstering solidarity, supporting aspirations of Gulf citizens, cooperation and integration amidst developments and challenges in the region. The UAE believes and supports the objectives of this tour "and considers it an integral part of its policy", he said.
Sheikh Mohammad said he is confident the wisdom and vision of HH the Amir aimed at continuing the path of development triggered by late Kuwait leaders, and their contributions, specially health and education, would remain in the hearts and minds of the people of the UAE and the Gulf. The two leaders reaffirmed that bilateral historic relations were based on the strong foundation of respect and understanding amidst common regional challenges.
HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal and Emirati President Sheikh Mohammad exchanged orders at Qasr Al-Watan, marking HH the Amir's state visit to the UAE. Sheikh Mohammad presented the Zayed Order to HH the Amir, the highest order in recognition of "deep franternal relations" and his efforts to further strengthening ties. HH the Amir presented Sheikh Mohammad with the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order in recognition of his efforts for the progress, stability and prosperity of the UAE and its people, as well as promoting relations among the GCC countries.
Sheikh Mohammad then held a lunch banquet in honor of HH the Amir and his accompanying delegation, before HH Sheikh Mishal departed the UAE. HH the Amir was seen off by Sheikh Mohammad and senior officials. HH the Amir sent a cable of appreciation upon his departure to Sheikh Mohammad, thanking him for his hospitality which reflected the deep bonds between the two states. He also expressed great gratitude to the UAE President for awarding him with the Zayed Order, wishing the UAE President and his people health and prosperity.
HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal will patronize and attend the official opening of Abdullah Al-Salem University (AASU) on Wednesday at Abdullah Al-Jaber Auditorium in Shuwaikh. - KUNA
Source: Kuwait Times