By Mahdi Namir
ROME, June 21 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Ambassador to Italy Sheikh Ali Khaled Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has held talks with Mayor of the Italian City of Palermo Leoluca Orlando over means to bolster bilateral ties, particularly in the economic and cultural domains.
In a press statement issued Saturday, the Kuwaiti Embassy said Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled and Orlando mulled a number of ideas for fruitful cooperation in different domains.
They have discussed increasing reciprocal participation in cultural, artistic and investment events and projects as well as encouraging tourism to Italy and Kuwait, the statement added.
The talks also touched upon preparations for marking 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Italy and the reception of Kuwait's "Journey of Hope" boat expected to arrive in Italy soon.
For his part, Orlando welcomed Ambassador Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled's idea that Sicily hosts an artistic and cultural event on the occasion.
He lauded the deeply-rooted Italian-Kuwaiti relations and Sheikh Ali Al-Khaled's great role in developing it.
The "Journey of Hope" boat's 22-stop overseas tour is meant to show world Kuwait's special experience in caring for mentally disabled people.
The Journey will head to Washington D.C. and return back in 210 day-long expedition. It will stop in 19 countries and 22 ports of call.
Over 22 celebratory events will be held at intervals in all ports en route with a view to unifying people of all cultures and religions towards a collective effort to care for and benefit those with intellectual disability everywhere. (end) mn.tma.ibi