WASHINGTON — The United States plans to increase military and
security cooperation with Kuwait.
Officials said the Bush administration intends to expand military and
security relations with Kuwait in wake of the appointment of the new emir,
Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Sabah was ratified by parliament as
sheikdom leader on Jan. 29.
Sabah, who succeeded the late Emir Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, helped lead
a pro-American policy over the last five years, Middle East Newsline reported. The 76-year-old was
appointed emir after four years as prime minister.
"The United States will continue to be a close partner with the
government and people of Kuwait as our two nations work together to further
our shared goals in the region," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said.
On Monday, President Bush telephoned Emir Sabah and discussed bilateral
and regional issues. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said the emir
stressed his desire to improve relations with the United States.
"The emir expressed his appreciation for the call and indicated he would
continue on the path of his brother, including building upon our strong
U.S.-Kuwait relations," McClellan said.
McCllelan said Bush invited the emir to visit the United States. The
spokesman said the emir planned to meet Bush at the White House in the near
future.
Kuwait has hosted the largest U.S. military presence in the Gulf region.
About 15,000 U.S. troops help facilitate the flow of American soldiers to
and from Iraq.
On Feb. 2, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said he did not expect the
U.S.-Kuwaiti relationship to change with Sabah's appointment. Rumsfeld told
the National Press Club that he expected a continuity of leadership
from the late Emir Jaber.
"I don't think there will be any change at all," Rumsfeld said. "The
leadership there I think will provide similar continuity. There is a country
that was invaded by Iraq. It was savaged by Iraq. It's clearly a country
that has been very much a partner in the war on terror and in the efforts in
Iraq. And then my impression of the new leadership is that it will be pretty
much a continuum."
