His highness the emir keen on activating Afro-Arab cooperation

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's initiative to hosting the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit reflects his keenness to activating joint cooperation for the best interests of the people in the two regions, a top government official said Saturday. Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, at a joint news conference with the Head of the Higher Committee for Conferences, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Health Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah, said the summit would emphasize the leading role of Kuwait's foreign policy to bridging gaps between civilizations with the objective of prosperity of mankind. Sheikh Sabah, speaking after the opening of the Media Center of the Summit, said the November 19-20 Summit, held under the theme "Partners in Development and Investment," aimed at achieving two objectives: achieving genuine partnership based on mutual benefit, and exploring new investment and development opportunities. Sheikh Sabah said the African and Arab sides formed three groups to prepare for the two-day summit. These groups, he added, held meetings in Kuwait, Cairo, Addis Ababa and New York. The groups, said the Foreign Minister, paved way for the Economic Forum that was organized by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) last week, in which around 500 experts participated. The participants, he said, discussed work papers about the strengthening of trade between Arab and African countries, and exploring investment and development opportunities. The Arab and African regions enjoy "important strategic location" for the whole world, said Sheikh Sabah, noting that more than 70 percent of the Arab people live in Africa. The Foreign Minister said total population was over 1.2 billion people who enjoy "civilized and religious values, unique geographic diversity, and ancient scientific and cultural heritage." He added that the stability and prosperity of the Arab and African region meant "stability and prosperity of the whole world." Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Sabah said that 71 delegations from nations and international organisations would be attending the November 19-20 Africa-Arab Summit. On the number of official guests who have confirmed their attendance, he said these will include over 34 heads of state, seven deputy leaders and three prime ministers