05 September 2006

Bush Praises Kuwaiti Reforms as "Notable Example" for Middle East

Discusses strategic and economic issues with Kuwaiti amir in Washington

 

President Bush welcomes the amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, to the White House September 5. (©AP Images)

President Bush welcomes the amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, to the White House September 5. (©AP Images)

By Steve Kaufman
Washington File White House Correspondent

Washington -- President Bush welcomed the amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, to the White House and congratulated the amir for the "steady reforms" he has been undertaking in his country that "have served as a notable example for others in the region."

Speaking after their meeting at the White House September 5, Bush said he had engaged in an "important strategic dialogue" with the amir on how to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and expressed his appreciation for the Kuwaiti leader's advice on a variety of issues.

"His Highness has got a clear vision about how we can work together, strategically as well as commercially," Bush said.

Amir Sabah said his talks with the president had been "fruitful" and covered several bilateral and economic issues "related to strengthening the bilateral relationship," as well as Middle Eastern issues reflecting their joint aim "of achieving stability in the region."

Prior to the amir’s arrival in Washington, the United States and Kuwait signed an Open Skies agreement on August 30 that eliminates barriers to air travel between the two countries.

Once the agreement is implemented, U.S. and Kuwaiti airline companies will be able to set flight schedules and price tickets according to market demand, rather than under regulations set by either government.

A transcript of the remarks by Bush and the amir is available on the White House Web site.

For more information on U.S. policy, see Middle East and North Africa and Trade and Economics.

The full text of a Department of Transportation press release on the U.S.-Kuwait Open Skies agreement and more information on such agreements in general are available on the department's Web site.

(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)