Kuwait stresses Iran great regional position

Kuwait's ruler Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah today stressed Iran's great position in the region, reiterating his country's determination to bolster ties with Iran.

The Kuwaiti Amir made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Head of the International Center for Dialogue Among Cultures and Civilizations, Iran's Mohammad Khatami, who arrived in Kuwait Sunday on a four-day visit.

Kuwait and Iran enjoy friendly ties and the two countries' officials are making efforts to further promote bilateral relations, the Kuwaiti ruler said.

He added that he would launch his regional tour of some Asian states including the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed hope that he would hold fruitful talks with senior Iranian officials on further consolidation of ties.

Pointing to Iran's peaceful nuclear program, he called for increasing safety measures of Iran's power plant to prevent nuclear pollution.

He praised the role played by head of the International Center of Dialogue Among Cultures and Civilizations in promoting stability and security and wished success for Khatami in his efforts to establish international peace.

Khatami, for his part, stressed Iran's determination to bolster ties with all Islamic states including Kuwait.

He said Iran's nuclear program is completely peaceful, adding, "There is no room for concerns about peaceful nuclear activities of Iran. Safety of Iran's power plants is based on latest international standards.

"Iran's power plants were built in cities and it is natural for us to be sensitive to their safety." Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah was also present at the meeting.

Earlier on Monday, Khatami met with Kuwait's Prime Minister Nasir al-Muhammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah and discussed issues of mutual interest.