US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Kuwait as “an indispensable partner for regional security and stability.”
Rubio held talks with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah on efforts to bolster security and stability, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA said on Wednesday.
He also attended a flag-raising at the US Embassy, which resumed operations after Iran-linked attacks forced a suspension, the State Department said.
"The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability," Rubio wrote on social media following the ceremony.
Earlier, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with Rubio strategic cooperation between the two countries and ways to further strengthen coordination across various fields in support of shared interests, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The meeting in Abu Dhabi also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on developments in the Middle East. Sheikh Mohamed and Rubio underscored the importance of advancing the foundations of security, stability, and lasting peace across the region, WAM said.
On Monday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Rubio will travel to the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain from June 23-25.
“The Secretary will discuss a range of regional priorities including the memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and free safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace and stability in the region. In Bahrain, the Secretary will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council to discuss shared priorities across the region,” Pigott said.
