The UN Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs and Amiri Diwan Advisor of the State of Kuwait Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq.

WASHINGTON: The UN Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs and Amiri Diwan Advisor of Kuwait Dr Abdullah Al- Maatouq has re-affirmed that Kuwait is proceeding with actions aimed at confronting intellectual extremism and renouncing terrorism. Dr Al- Maatouq made the remarks after meeting officials of the US State Department and the US-based international relief organization, USAID, discussing bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, namely humanitarian activities and combating terrorism. He told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that his talks with the US officials dealt with plans to hold the fourth international donors’ conference for Syria, tentatively due in Britain soon, and means of drumming up support for the forecast humanitarian event. He also affirmed the US officials’ desire to ensure success of the expected convention, noting success of the three previous conferences that had been held for this purpose since break-out of the Syrian crisis in 2011.

The internationally renowned Kuwaiti official added in the remarks to KUNA that the American officials expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah for his patronization of the three conventions, affirming that His Highness earned the UN title, the “Humanitarian Leader”-along with the State of Kuwait, which was designated as the “Humanitarian Center.” Dr Al-Maatouq also said he deliberated with the Americans means of backing relief agencies in Kuwait and the US, in addition to confronting terrorism and radical thoughts. The Amiri Diwan Advisor said he notified the American side that the State of Kuwait is continuing the war on terrorism, through support of governments of various states, noting formation of the Supreme Committee for Promoting Moderation, aimed at publicizing moderate religious rhetoric.

Al-Maatouq, also the Chairman of the Kuwait-based International Islamic Charitable Organization, added that he invited the American officials to take part in a conference, to be organized by the association in late November. The convention, due to group all humanitarian NGOs in Kuwait, will be patronized by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Sabah. Kuwait, which has been granting aid to people in need around the world for years, has succeeded in pledging up to $1.3 billion in aid for the Syrians as a result of the three previous conferences for the troubled nation.

Regional challenges

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al- Sabah said yesterday that bolstering democratic path and strengthening national unity are considered one of the main protective fences against regional challenges. In a statement marking the second session of the Bahraini Parliament and Shura Council’s fourth legislative term, scheduled to kick off today, Sheikh Azzam said the democratic reforms initiated by the Bahraini King are a protective fence against regional challenges in all areas. Sheikh Azzam added that Kuwaiti and Bahraini leading democratic experience has led to various developments and achievements, noting that Kuwait has presented a unique form of dynamic democracy which allows it to continue and flourish. —Agencies