Governor General lauds Kuwait Government's commitment to assisting developing countries

By Bahamas

Information Services

Governor General Her Excellency Dame Ivy Dumont has lauded the Government of the State of Kuwait for its commitment to assist Arab and other developing countries, including some Caribbean nations, to improve their economies.

'I am aware that our Governments share similar goals, including a commitment to the achievement of national prosperity,' the Governor General said as she accepted the Letters of Credence of Her Excellency Nabeela Abdulla Al-Mulla, non-resident Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to The Bahamas during a ceremony at government House on August 11, 2005.

'Your Government, like mine, believes that the development of a national educational system is a defining factor of economic development and therefore allocates a large part of its budget to education,' the Governor General said.

'Accordingly, your progress in the areas of health, education and welfare has been applauded internationally.'

The Governor General noted that The Bahamas Government holds that the phenomenon of globalization, notwithstanding its merits, can adversely impact the economies of developing countries, unless North-South economic relations are fundamentally restructured.

'The Bahamas hopes that world initiatives will bolster efforts and strengthen bonds of cooperation between the North and the South, with a view to laying down the underpinnings of a new relationship that contributes to a balanced system of world trade, orderly and respectful communication between nation states, and acceptance that al peoples of the world should live in peace,' Dame Ivy said.

Added the Governor General: 'Within this context, I am aware of your Government's commitment to the achievement of equitable and universal economic development demonstrated, in part, by your effective membership in the Group of 77 and China .

'The Bahamas honours the State of Kuwait for its commitment to assist Arab and other developing countries to improve their economies' a commitment that emanates from its stated belief that overall development, and widening the base of participation and cooperation, are essential for ensuring security and stability for all countries of the world.

'It is worth mentioning that more than four decades ago the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Develop-ment was established.

Over the years, it has provided intermediate and long-term loans and financial grants fort many development projects and programmes in scores of developing countries m among them being some of The Bahamas' Caribbean partners. In this regard, your kind invitation to The Bahamas is acknowledged with thanks.'

The Governor General said that since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between The Bahamas and the State of Kuwait on March 8, 1994, both countries have maintained cordial relations.

'And we welcome further dealings with your country within the framework of the United Nations, the Group of 77 and China, the Non-Aligned Movement, and on this occasion, through bilateral interface,' she said.

The Governor General also commended the Kuwaiti Government on the May, 2005 approval by that country's national Assembly of a law granting women the right to vote and run for public office, and for its willingness to embrace religious diversity.

She said the appointment of a female to the Kuwaiti Cabinet and of two women to seats on the Municipal Council is recognized as a very positive act.

'This historic step, which enfranchised women and advanced gender equality in your country, is of particular personal interest to me,' Dame Ivy said.

'As you may be aware, I am privileged to serve as the first female Governor General and Head of State of my country.

'Allow me also to commend your country on its willingness to embrace religious diversity, as I note that Christians and other religious minorities enjoy relative religious freedom in Kuwait .

Indeed, in 1996, yours was the first Gulf Arab country ever to receive a top Vatican official.'

© 2005 The Freeport News