PM seeks investments in oil-rich Kuwait

TIRANA, Nov. 18 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama made a two-day visit to Kuwait in an effort to increase the oil-rich country’s interest to invest in the Adriatic republic.
During the visit, Rama held talks on strengthening cooperation in areas of joint interest, according to a statement by his office.
Cooperation agreements were signed during the visit, and Rama was accompanied by his foreign and economy ministers, Ditmir Bushati and Arben Ahmetaj.
Rama has called on Kuwait’s private sector to invest in different fields in his country, commending the State of Kuwait for its contribution to the development of Albania.
“We are ready to welcome private investment in Albania, how we can develop further this relation by supporting Kuwaiti investors to invest in Albania in several fields,” said Rama who described relations with Kuwait as “special.”
In an interview with KUNA, the country’s news agency, Rama said he already started meetings with the private sector in Kuwait to explore how important entrepreneurs could start important business in Albania in different fields like real estate, agriculture, airlines, tourism and water.
Relations and cooperation between Kuwait and Albania are dated back to the early 1990s.
Rama noted that Albania was among the first countries to condemn the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.
Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) had since 1993 extended six loans worth some $72.9 million for agricultural and transport projects in Albania.
The Albanian prime minister was also accompanied by four MPs, three mayors and a 16-member business delegation. He said KFAED has played an important role in the difficult transition period in Albania.
“We have a special relation” with Kuwait “where I felt being welcomed as a real friend,” noted Rama and cited Albanian Post Office’s issuance of a special stamp bearing the image of His Highness the Amir in appreciation of his role in cementing bilateral ties.