WASHINGTON, Oct 27 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Ambassador to United States Jasem Albudaiwi visited the state of Nebraska this week where he held talks with top Nebraskan officials focused on food security cooperation and investment opportunities in Kuwait.
The aim of the visit is to connect with US states to boost the cooperation on all levels, mainly in the fields of food security and agriculture exchange.
During his visit, Ambassador Albudaiwi met with several top officials in Nebraska, including the of Governor Nebraska Pete Ricketts, the Secretary of State of Nebraska Robert Evnen, Congressman Don Bacon, the University of Nebraska President Walter Carter, CEO of Farm Bureau of Nebraska Mark Mchargue and representatives from Iowa based companies, in addition to Nebraska commodity groups and a group of Gulf War veterans.
On this occasion, Ambassador Albudaiwi told KUNA that the visit was "successful," saying "we hope to exchange expertise and have a closer look at this cooperation," especially in food security that is considered a "global challenge."
He added that Nebraskan officials expressed their appreciation for Kuwait's stance towards the US and the coordination in food security and many other domains.
He affirmed Kuwait's keen interest in the food security, shedding light on Kuwait's Supreme National Committee to enhance the food and water security system that was created in May 2022 by Kuwait's cabinet aimed at preventing any consequences from global crises that might affect the food security system.
"This visit reflects Kuwait's desire to intensify and boost its cooperation globally as well as prepare itself in this field," Ambassador Albudaiwi said.
For his part, Governor Ricketts said, "Nebraskans are grateful for the strong friendship between the United States and the State of Kuwait."
"Kuwait is a key ally for our nation in the Middle East and an important trading partner for Nebraska," he added.
He thanked the Ambassador Al-Budaiwi for visiting Nebraska "to discuss opportunities to strengthen our ties with one another."
Furthermore, Congressman Bacon reiterated that "Kuwait is a strong ally of the United States and an important partner in combatting international terrorism and strengthening international trade between our two countries."
"It is an honor to host our friends in the Heartland of America," he remarked.
Also, Nebraska Department of Veterans' Affairs (NDVA) Director John Hilgert said "it was an honor to meet with Ambassador Al-Budaiwi alongside some of my fellow Gulf War veterans."
He added "hearing his perspective and the thanks he gave on behalf of the Kuwaiti people reiterated the importance and righteousness of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield and America's continued efforts to protect democracy around the globe."
Meanwhile, Secretary Evnen said "it was a great honor and pleasure to welcome H.E. Ambassador Jasem Albudaiwi to Nebraska."
"We found much of common interest for the mutual benefit of the people of Nebraska and the people of Kuwait," he added.
He continued that Ambassador Albudaiwi "was warmly received by Nebraskans wherever he visited, and particularly so with our veterans of Desert Storm. We look forward to future follow-up in the many areas of mutual interest."
President and CEO of the National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce David Hamod said that is a "great opportunity" to introduce Kuwait's Ambassador to the heartland of America.
"The middle west is distinguished by its productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and education, which makes this region a natural partner for the state of Kuwait," he added.
He affirmed "our chamber is proud to help grow the relationship between the breadbasket of America and the State of Kuwait."