NR 11.077 - July 11, 2011
OTTAWA - Today, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, as part of two days of meetings in the Middle East, stewarded the signing of a Canada-Kuwait Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The Memorandum of Understanding is a framework document to allow for logistical support to Canadian operations in Afghanistan.
Canada and Kuwait enjoy a steadfast friendship and strong bilateral relations.
“Canada proudly deployed over 4,000 Canadian Forces personnel to the campaign to liberate Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War and our friendship has grown stronger over the past twenty years,” said Minister MacKay. “Kuwait is an influential partner in the region and we are very pleased that this agreement has been reached for the benefit our respective countries.”
The movement of equipment and vehicles from Afghanistan requires access to both an airport and sea terminal for the transhipment of materiel back to Canada. The establishment of this support presence in Kuwait allows this to happen in a safe and controlled environment.
While in Kuwait, Minister Mackay was hosted by Sheik Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and met with Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“This visit provided me the opportunity to meet with Sheikh Jaber and Sheikh Mohammad, and to develop good cooperation and partnership with Kuwait,” added Minister MacKay.
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