5/31/2010
Kuwait, Japan begin preparatory talks on joint cmte

Kuwait and Japan on Monday began working-level preparatory talks before the first meeting of the Japan-Kuwait Joint Committee due later this week, with the both sides planning to raise their concerns to share and to discuss content of a planned joint statement.
The Kuwaiti participants were to present such issues as the nation's five-year plan, introduction of nuclear power generation project, needs on renewable energy and energy conservation, as well as regional projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The Japanese side was expected to note the importance of early conclusions of a bilateral investment treaty and GCC-Japan free trade agreement (FTA) and to underline promotion of exchanges in line with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Kuwaiti-Japanese diplomatic ties in 2011.
The Kuwaiti side in the preparatory meeting was represented by Mohamed Al-Roumi, Director of the Foreign Ministry's Asia Department, and officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Environment Public Authority, Ministry of Oil, Kuwait Investment Authority, Public Authority for Industry, the Ministry of Higher Education, and National Council for Culture. Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Masatoshi Muto also attended the talks.
The Japanese side was led by Takehiro Kagawa, Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Ministry's Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, and other officials concerned from the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Kuwait's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah is scheduled to attend the upcoming first meeting of the Japan-Kuwait Joint Committee. The committee, which was established during the visit to Japan by H.H. the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in July 2008, is designed to strengthen and develop their bilateral relations, particularly in the field of economy and commerce.