KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met here on Thursday with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the delegation accompanying him. During the meeting, Blinken conveyed to Kuwaiti emir greetings and appreciation of US President Joe Biden, as well as best wishes of progress and prosperity for the Kuwaiti people, the Kuwait News Agency reported. In turn, Sheikh Nawaf expressed utmost appreciation for the US president and the friendly American people, as both countries are celebrating 60 years of historic ties, as well as 30 years of Kuwait's liberation. In the meeting, which was also attended by Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, bilateral ties and means to develop them on all levels, in addition to issues of mutual concern and latest regional developments, were discussed. Blinken also had a meeting with Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Kuwait's National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. Commenting on his meeting with the Kuwaiti leaders, the US secretary of state said he discussed regional security, joint efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, and other key issues important to the bilateral relationship. Blinken recognized two milestones in the US-Kuwait relationship — the 30th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield and 60 years of diplomatic ties — and thanked the Amir for the enduring support that has enabled close cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, trade and investment, security, education, culture, and science. The US secretary of state also paid a visit to Kuwait's parliamnent on Thursday. "Today I toured the Kuwait National Assembly, the oldest directly elected parliament among the Arab Gulf states, with Speaker @MarzouqAlghanim. It was a privilege to learn more about the principles enshrined in Kuwait's constitution," Blinken tweeted.
