Bermuda is today hosting a high-level delegation from Kuwait who are visiting the Island for a private stop-over visit on the way to their final destination in Mexico.

His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Prime Minister; His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; along with a delegation of 20, landed at the LF Wade International Airport this morning.

Premier Ewart Brown said: "Rarely has Bermuda had the opportunity to host leaders of prominence from the Middle East. I believe significance can be placed on our recent work in that jurisdiction with both the nations of India and Bahrain.

"In April of this year we signed the first Double Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the country of Bahrain. At that time the agreement was touted as a significant step forward in enhancing business ties and investment opportunities that will facilitate outreach to other countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

"I am pleased today, that in addition to extending the hand of friendship to His Highness and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can express my hope that this visit will be the first of many while building and solidifying the relationship between our country and the House of Al Sabah."

While in Bermuda for only a few hours, the visitors will be taken on a guided tour of the Island. This will be followed by a courtesy call at Government House where they will meet briefly with Acting Governor David Arkley and Dr. Brown.

It is anticipated the visitors will depart Bermuda after their whirlwind visit at 4.00 pm today.

The House of Al Sabah is the ruling family of Kuwait and has ruled there since 1752. The country is located between Iraq and Saudia Arabia along the Persian Gulf and is widely known as one of the world's top exporters of oil; the fifth-biggest oil producer among OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) members. In 1991, a Time Magazine article stated that the Al-Sabah family had an estimated wealth of $90 billion dollars, mainly from oil revenues.

* Full story and pictures in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.