Kuwait, France sign MoUs in transport, agriculture cooperation

Kuwait and France on Tuesday signed at the end of the 13th session of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation two memoranda of understanding on cooperation in the field of cooperation in the agricultural and transport fields.The Kuwaiti delegation was led by Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh while the French side was headed by Minister of Foreign Trade Nicole Break.Al-Saleh said at a joint press conference with the French Minister at the conclusion of the meetings that the signing of the two memoranda of understanding between Kuwait and France in the field of transport and agriculture will enhance cooperation between the two countries.He added that the Kuwaiti side welcomes the contribution of French companies to the implementation of various infrastructure projects because of their expertise, capabilities and great credibility. He stressed that the Government of the State of Kuwait attaches great importance to deepen and strengthen economic cooperation in all fields with the French Republic as the latter is one of the main allies of Kuwait, describing both countries' ties as "distinct and strategic".Al-Saleh said the upcoming visit of French Prime Minister to Kuwait in response to the invitation of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah will give "additional support and incentive" to the competent authorities in both countries to follow up on those recommendations.He expressed the aspiration of the State of Kuwait to take advantage of French expertise in supporting small and medium enterprises as well as in attracting foreign direct investment as well as taking advantage of them in the area of privatization of government-owned companies.