President Lennart Meri received the delegation of the Parliament of Kuwait, headed by the Speaker Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al-Sadoon, in Kadriorg today. On the meeting, Estonia's support to Kuwait during the Gulf War, the current relations of Kuwait and Estonia, combat against international terrorism and the economic and cultural relations between the two countries were discussed.

The President spoke of his concern that Kuwait's neighbour Iraq is not fulfilling the demands of international organisations concerning the obliteration of weapons of mass destruction. He emphasised that, unfortunately, international terrorism is expanding in today's world and mentioned the tragic explosions in African capitals that caused the loss of many lives. The Estonian Head of State expressed his hope that Kuwait, just like Estonia, denounces all occurrences of terrorism.

Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al-Sadoon thanked the President for receiving the delegation and forwarded the cordial greetings of the Head of State of Kuwait to President Meri and to the Estonian people. He also said that Kuwait is very grateful to Estonia for the support during the Gulf War on all levels. As small countries, Estonia and Kuwait understand the meaning of solidarity, he added.

The representatives of Kuwait also informed the Estonian Head of State of the more than 600 citizens of Kuwait who are kept prisoners in Iraq. The possibilities of liberating these persons with the support of international organisations were also discussed on the meeting.

President Meri also emphasised the importance of developing economic co-operation, especially considering the fact that Kuwait is 152nd on the list of Estonia's export and import partners, and spoke also of the Estonian Society of Islamic Culture. The Speaker of the Parliament of Kuwait promised that the information concerning the need to enhance co-operation in the field of culture and about the Society of Islamic Culture would be forwarded also to the charity organisations in Kuwait.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, September 14, 1998

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