Kuwait, Iraq speakers pleased at talks

Kuwaiti and Iraqi parliament speakers on Wednesday voiced satisfaction with the outcomes of their talks held at the National Assembly (parliament), with several MPs from both sides attending.
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim told a joint news conference with his visiting Iraqi counterpart Salim Al-Jabouri that he was so happy to welcome a visiting Iraqi parliament delegation representing all political groups and parties.
Hailing his talks with Al-Jabouri as "positive", Al-Ghanim said Kuwait and Iraq are keen on each other's security as "terrorism has no religion or identity", adding that challenges Iraq is facing at present would surely have direct impacts on Kuwait and the region as a whole.
"Wise people have to unify efforts to fight this joint danger," Al-Ghanim cautioned.
"Following such talks and meetings, we are now better aware of details of what is happening in Iraq and its ramifications on Kuwait," he said.
Al-Ghanim announced that a joint protocol on the exchange of expertise was signed between both sides today, calling for reactivating the role of joint friendship committees to resolve outstanding issues and unify joint efforts at regional and international events.
For his part, the Iraqi parliament speaker said he was so pleased to be here in Kuwait to represent a parliament delegation which carries the concerns and aspirations of the Iraqi people and political blocs.
He said Iraq and Kuwait should capitalize on their commonalities to face challenges haunting both neighbors and even the entire region.
Al-Jabouri added that his country is determined to build an institutional system based on the respect of human rights and State institutions.
"Kuwait is the country on which we can count to face all challenges on the basis that it is the first launching point for the Iraqi House of Representatives to proceed to the Arab order," he said.
He pointed to his country's genuine willingness to build joint relations with the Kuwaiti National Assembly whether through joint committees or memos of understanding, based on mutual respect and bilateral cooperation.