Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday for a two-day visit after completing his trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on X social media platform, PM Kakar was welcomed by Kuwait’s Minister for Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Jassim Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ostad upon his arrival.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait Malik Muhammad Farooq and senior diplomatic officials of both countries were also present during the reception. PM Kakar was also greeted with kahwa in a traditional Kuwaiti welcome for guests.
Earlier, PM Kakar departed for Kuwait from Abu Dhabi’s Al-Bateen airport, where he was seen off by UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and Pakistani diplomatic staff.
The premier is scheduled to meet Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al Jaber Al Sabah and Kuwait PM Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah. The visit is expected to mark the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation between the two countries, with PM Kakar set to sign various memorandums of understanding (MoU) in the fields of manpower, information technology, mineral exploration, food security, energy and defence.
The PMO further stated that 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait.
Before arriving in Kuwait, PM Kakar visited a memorial in Abu Dhabi that honored the sacrifices of UAE’s national heroes. He also paid a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
On Monday, Pakistan and the UAE signed MoUs related to investment cooperation, which are expected to unlock multi-billion dollars in funding from the Mideast state. PM Kakar and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir also met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation.
The MoUs cover investment and cooperation in the sectors of energy, port operations, wastewater treatment, food security, logistics, minerals, and banking and financial services. The PMO stated that the MoUs would unlock multi-billion dollars of investment from the UAE into Pakistan, marking a historic event in the Pak-UAE economic partnership.