NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas and the State of Kuwait are seeking ways to strengthen diplomatic ties formed 16 years ago, in areas of tourism, finance and environmental concerns.
His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, Governor General, expressed these areas of interests as he accepted Letters of Credence presented by His Excellency Mansour Al-Otaibi accrediting him Ambassador of The State of Kuwait to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The ceremony was held Thursday, December 2, 2010 at Government House. The ambassador also called on the Rt Hon Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister; the Hon Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration; members of the Diplomatic Corps, and officials of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce.
Kuwait was the first Arab state with which The Bahamas established diplomatic relations 16-years-ago.
“The soundness of this decision is confirmed not only by the similarities that our countries share but also by the status your country enjoys in your region and globally,” Sir Arthur said.
The Bahamas and Kuwait are both small states. Both described as primarily mono-service, mono-product dependent countries in respect of which the acknowledged imperative of diversification has led into similar paths. Both countries also share environmental concerns, such as the negative impact of climate change and the availability of potable water.
Kuwait focuses on maximising the benefits of its rich natural resources of oil and gas, and in foreign policy has earned a number of firsts.
“You have developed perhaps the most open economy in the Middle East; and you are the first developing country to establish an Aid and Technical Assistance Agency, surpassing the United Nations Official Development Assistance target for developed countries,” Sir Arthur said.
“You have used your great wealth and highly valued currency to benefit neighbours and global friends alike, and the highest United Nations conferred Human Development Index in your region. Additionally, your country has already presided over the United Nations Security Council and has been recognised as an active associate partner in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.”
He told the ambassador that during his tenure, the period of Bahamas-Kuwait relations is most propitious for expanded vistas of co-operation and mutually beneficial opportunities. This is evidenced by the growth of both economies in parallel areas of service, such as tourism and finance.
“As a consummate career diplomat, you are well equipped and well-placed to ensure the further strengthening of relations between our two countries,” Sir Arthur said.
Ambassador Al-Otaibi, said he was honoured to be appointed to The Bahamas by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.
“We in the State of Kuwait attach a special importance to our relations with the small states such as the friendly Commonwealth of The Bahamas, since we are both small states that have the same characteristics such as area and population,” the ambassador said.
He said he has no doubt that The Bahamas government will help him fulfil his mandate towards the achievement of the ambitious goals entrusted by his government.
“The friendly relations that exist between our two countries prompt us all to exert more efforts in order to further develop these relations and elevate them to a higher level in the various fields,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Al-Otaibi, 43, joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait in November 1989. He is the Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations. His professional experience includes participating in a number of summits, conferences and special sessions of the UN. He has authored two books based on the years he spent working as a diplomat at the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the UN and relate to the Question of the State of Kuwait at the UN.
Ambassador Al-Otaibi is married and has three children.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
BIS Photo byDerek Smith
