ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: Pakistan and Kuwait on Thursday signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for enhanced bilateral political consultations and co-operation in curbing narcotics trafficking.

The MoUs were preceded by the signing of a framework economic pact with the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), paving way for a dialogue partnership with the council later this year.

Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah and Federal Minister and Ambassador-at-Large Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri at a press conference termed the talks 'cordial and good' and reflective of sentiments of the people of Pakistan and Kuwait.

Mr Kasuri thanked Kuwait for increasing visas for Pakistanis and for joint ventures in the country. He said the talks covered situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Middle East, the composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India and fight against terrorism.

Mr Kasuri said Kuwait was the current chairman of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and its strategic location in the region had enhanced its importance manifold particularly in the current world scenario.

The ambassador-at-large said that signing of the framework pact would bring Pakistan and the Gulf Co-operation Council more closer and enhance exchange of information on foreign trade, encourage business communications and impart training and exchange of technology transfer.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah said the framework agreement would lead towards the establishment of a free-trade area. He said Pakistan had a productive and genius manpower and there was a hospitable environment for investment. -APP