Ashton to visit Kuwait next week

EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Catherine Ashton, embarks on Sunday on a tour of the Gulf for talks with the leaders and officials of the region. Her visit from 12-16 January will take her to Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, according to Ashton's programme published by her office today. The programme did not mention any further details. Kuwait is set to host the 2nd donors conference for the Syrian people on January 15. The UN seeks more than USD six billion in pledges to help alleviate suffering of the Syrian people, both inside Syria or in neighboring countries.