Ashton: Kuwait plays important regional, international role

European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Monday the State of Kuwait played an "important" role at the regional and international levels, praising the Gulf state's hosting of the 2nd donors conference for the Syrian people. Ashton, during a meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting security and stability of Kuwait. She highlighted the "important" role played by Kuwait both in the region and around the globe. Ashton also praised Kuwait's hosting of the 2nd donors conference to help the Syrian people. She hoped the January 15 conference would contribute to alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled underlined the "strategic depth" between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the EU. The two officials also discussed a host of political developments at the regional and international levels. The meeting was attended by Foreign Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah, Kuwait's Ambassador to Belgium Dharar Razzooqi, Director of Europe's Department Waleed Al-Khubaizi, Director of Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled's office Ambassador Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah, head of the GCC Mission to the EU Amal Al-Hamad, Director of the GCC Department Nasser Al-Muzayyen and Director of Al-Jarallah's office Ayham Al-Omar.