Iran, Kuwait ink consular agreement

Iran and Kuwait have signed a consular cooperation agreement which encompasses a wide range of issues, including trade, maritime and criminal matters.

Iranian and Kuwaiti delegations reached the deal during three-days of talks, which ended in the Iranian capital Tehran on Tuesday.

In the agreement, the two sides pledged to assist each other in judicial matters such as prisoner transfers and consular access for detainees of the other nationality.

They also agreed to make it easier for Iranian and Kuwaiti nationals in general and businesspeople in particular to obtain visas from the neighboring state.

The possibility of lifting visa requirements for diplomats and government personnel of the other side was also discussed.

In addition to the above, the deal included measures for regulating shipping, fishing and sailing norms.

Iran and Kuwait enjoy cordial diplomatic relations. As Iran has come under increasing pressure from the West in recent years over its nuclear program, Kuwait has stated that the US should respect Iranian sovereignty and seek a diplomat solution to the matter.

"There are provocative Western statements, and Iran responds in the same way…I believe that a matter this sensitive needs dialogue not escalation," Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly Jassem al-Kharafi said in July 2008.

Although it has agreed to go along with Security Council sanctions against Tehran, the Arab emirate has also said that it will not allow its territory to be used for any attacks against the Islamic Republic.

On the economic scene, Iran and Kuwait have cooperated for many years in the energy sector, as they are both members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Iran and Kuwait held their first Economic Commission in January 2008 which led to more financial connections between the two countries and opened greater prospects for future cooperation.

The two countries are scheduled to hold their third Economic Commission in December 2010-January 2011.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=124700§ionid=351020101.