ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamd Al-Sabah held formal talks here on Monday aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The meeting held at the Prime Minister House focused on enhancing cooperation in diverse areas, especially trade and energy.

Prime Minister Sharif said the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber would give a fresh impetus to the efforts to further carry forward the multifaceted bilateral relations with Kuwait.

He mentioned that Pakistan's relations with Kuwait were rooted in historical links and enriched by the great warmth and goodwill between their people.

In the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Sharif was assisted by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Science and Technology Minister Zahid Hamid, Special Assistant to PM on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, State Minister for Petroleum Jam Kamal and State Minister for Privatization Khurram Dastagir.

Kuwait's ministers for Petroleum, Trade and Chamber of Commerce participated in the talks.

On Sunday. President Mamnoon Hussain underscored the need for Pakistani and Kuwaiti governments to take their bilateral relations to new heights by focussing on trade and investment.

During his meeting with Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the Presidency, the president said Pakistan had huge potential for investors in various sectors, including defence and energy, and invited Kuwaiti businessmen to avail the attractive incentives offered by its government.

Mr Hussain said the Kuwaiti prime minister’s visit to Pakistan demonstrated the special bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and expressed confidence that it would add momentum to the existing close ties between them.