Mohammad Abdullah Abdul-Hasan, advisor at Kuwait's Amiri Diwan (the permanent center of the nation's rulers), serving as an envoy of the Amir of ' Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.

Mr. Abdul-Hasan informed the President of Kuwait's plans to establish a fund of US$ 2 billion to assist non-Arab Asian countries. He said Kuwait has already committed US$ 300 million to the fund.

The primary objective of the fund would be to assist non-Arab Asian countries effectively address the Millennium Development Goals in areas such as eradicating poverty, uplifting the standards of health and education, and addressing challenges facing the environment.

President Rajapaksa welcomed the initiative, noting the strong bilateral relations the two countries share.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Karunatilaka Amunugama were present for the discussion.