(MENAFN- Arab Times) KUWAIT CITY Dec 21 (KUNA): Visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi expressed his gratification at the Kuwaiti government's acceptance to defer Iraq's payment of compensation for damages incurred as a result of its aggression of Kuwait in 1990. Al-Abadi told the press Sunday that his country cannot pay its obligation to Kuwait because it is currently facing severe security and humanitarian crises and is financially exhausted owing to its ongoing fight against the ISIL terrorist group.
He added that his meeting with Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim tackled many common files especially those related to promoting bilateral ties. The Iraqi official expressed aspiration that both countries would go past their 'dark era' towards a more positive one. He pointed out that his country is against terrorism and ISIL and appreciated Kuwait's military support to Iraq. He also encouraged the international community including countries in the region to further expand cooperation and help Iraq at this challenging time. Iraq is making progress in fighting the ISIL militants which is evident in their withdrawal from some parts of the country Al-Abadi said. He added that he was honored to meet His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah earlier today. Al-Abadi extended an invitation to Al-Ghanim to visit Iraq in the foreseeable future. Earlier His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and his visiting Iraqi counterpart Al-Abadi discussed fraternal relations and prospects of bilateral cooperation in various domains in order to serve the common interests of both countries. The two premiers also exchanged views on their countries' positions on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The talks were attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdulmohsen Al-Madaj Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah Minister of Communications and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Essa Al-Kandari and Chairman of the Accompanying Mission of Honor and Adivsor at His Highness the Premier's Diwan Sheikh Dr. Salem Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Khaled Al-Jarallah Undersecretary of His Highness the Premier's Diwan Sheikha Itimad Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah and several other Kuwaiti officials. The Iraqi prime minister's accompanying delegation members were also present in the meeting. His Highness the Prime Minister then held a luncheon in honor of the visiting Iraqi delegation.
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