Direct flights between Malta and Kuwait were among the subjects discussed between the Prime Minister and the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, during talks held today.

Dr Gonzi, who is currently on a tour of Gulf states, also discussed cooperation in a number of areas including trade and investment.

Followng his talks, Dr Gonzi said he had had a very good reception by the Kuwaiti government and Kuwait was grateful for the contribution by then Maltese Foreign Minister Guido de Marco when he was president of the UN General Assembly at the time of the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq.

Agreements on political cooperation in international fora and on health were signed by Kuwaiti ministers and Maltese Foreign Minister Tonio Borg. The focus of the health agreement is on the provision of medical training by Malta.

Dr Gonzi also had meetings with Kuwaiti investors who have links with Malta, particularly through FIMBank and the Corinthia Group.

FIMBank earlier this afternoon said it had signed an agreement with the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman), which provides for insurance cover on letters of credit issued or confirmed by FIMBank.

"The agreement is an important development for FIMBank’s international trade finance activities as it reinforces the Bank’s global presence, particularly in Arab countries and markets.," the bank said.

Set up in 1974, Dhaman is an autonomous financial organisation encompassing all Arab countries and a number of financial institutions in the region. The Kuwaiti-based institution’s core objective is to promote capital mobility into Arab countries and to enhance Arab exports worldwide. It is rated AA by Standard & Poor's (S&P).

Dr Gonzi's delegation has so far visited Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and will also visit Qatar.