Kuwait establishes diplomatic ties with Tuvalu

The State of Kuwait and the Republic of Tuvalu have established diplomatic relations translating mutual desire to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors.  A joint statement stipulating the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries was signed by Kuwait's Permanent Delegate to the UN, Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, and the Charge d'affaires of Tuvalu's mission, Lita Pita.  Although the Republic of Tuvalu is one of the smallest countries in the Pacific, it has diplomatic relations with 99 states, said ambassador Al-Otaibi in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). "We are looking forward to boost our relations with them in diverse spheres," the veteran Kuwaiti diplomat told the national news agency.  Al-Otaibi indicated that Kuwait hoped to enhance mutual cooperation with the Pacific country, despite its preoccupation with forecast consequences of drastic climatic changes that pose a threat to existence of the small republic.  Earth over-heating is a major cause for excessive melting of ice in coldest regions of the hemisphere. The phenomena has resulted in hiking sea level to various extents across the world. Some islands and coastal regions have already been submerged with the rising water, and several island countries fear being totally swamped if the overheating persists.  Kuwait has recently set up ties with countries of identical features and challenges, such as Saint Kitts and Navis and Vanuatu.  The Gulf State adopts a policy of openness with friendly and brotherly nations and countries and the national diplomatic corps has been active in this regard. Moreover, Kuwait's external activities have been marked with support for development projects in nations in need for aid.  Meanwhile, Pita told KUNA following the signing ceremony that this is a "great opportunity for us to have diplomatic relationship with the State of Kuwait." "This is only the beginning of a long path of mutual relationship which we hope will develop into greater achievements and further mutual understanding and friendship," she added.  She recalled that both countries have had "informal" friendly relations, but today and after signing the diplomatic documents, "we have formally recognized" both countries' friendship.  Tuvalu is a Polynesian Island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia. It comprises four reef islands. Its population of 10,544 makes it the third-least populous sovereign state in the world, with only Vatican City and Nauru having fewer inhabitants. Its land size is just 26 square kilometers (10 square miles), making it the fourth smallest country in the world, larger only than the Vatican City and Monaco. The capital of Tuvalu is Funafuti. It's a Parliamentary Democracy and Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II serving as the country's head of state and bearing the title Queen of Tuvalu. She is represented in Tuvalu by a Governor General appointed by the Queen upon the advice of the country's elected Prime Minister.  A major international priority for Tuvalu in the UN is promoting concern about global warming and the possible sea level rising. The UN designates Tuvalu as a 'Least Developed Country' because of its limited potential for economic development, absence of exploitable resources and its small size and vulnerability to external economic and environmental shocks. Due to the country's remoteness, tourism does not provide much income. A thousand tourists are estimated to visit Tuvalu annually, even though ecotourism is a motivation of travelers to Tuvalu.