March 10, 2008

Joint Press Release GSD III

For Immediate Release 


Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Ambassador Stephen D. Mull, Assistant Secretary of Defense Mary Beth Long, and Vice President of Kuwait National Security Bureau Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah today co-chaired the third round of the United States - Kuwait Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD). The talks reflected the mutual U.S. - Kuwaiti commitment to regional security and cooperation on shared concerns, including Palestinian - Israeli peace efforts, the situations in Iraq and Lebanon, Terrorism, Counterproliferation, and Infrastructure Security. 

During today's meetings, Assistant Secretaries Mull and Long reiterated that the GSD provides a firm example of President Bush's State of the Union pledge that "We will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Gulf." Both sides reaffirmed their respective commitments to the long-standing U.S.-Kuwaiti strategic relationship, and to continue cooperation in support of regional peace and security against emerging threats. They pledged to continue to work toward the shared goal of a unified, democratic, and stable Iraq at peace with its neighbors and itself. They also reiterated their commitment to support Palestinian Israeli peace efforts.  Kuwait expressed its appreciation for the efforts exerted by the US administration for a two state solution and offered its full support towards reaching that goal.

Both delegations expressed their shared concerns over Iran's nuclear program and called upon Iran to adhere to the requirements outlined in UNSCR 1737, 1747 and 1803, and reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution. They also stressed the importance of ending the ongoing political stalemate in Lebanon by encouraging all parties to play a positive role and pushing for democratic elections of a new Lebanese president in accordance with the Arab Initiative.

The United States and the State of Kuwait agreed to expand and enhance cooperation on counterproliferation and counterterrorism issues. Kuwait agreed to consider participating in future Proliferation Security Initiative exercises and activities. The United States expressed its satisfaction with the continuing and productive cooperation in the field of Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection.  Both sides agreed to increase their bilateral dialogue on Iraq.

Both delegations expressed their deep satisfaction with the third round of the GSD, and they look forward to continuing this important dialogue between the two countries. The next GSD meeting will take place in Washington, DC this fall.