Kuwait: First Iraqi Diplomatic Flight Arrives since Saddam Hussein’s Invasion of Kuwait in 1990

By John V Tauro
Bellevision Media Network

Kuwait, 01 Mar 2013: After a lapse of 22 years, a first Iraq plane landed at Kuwait International Airport here on Friday February 28, since Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of State of Kuwait.

 

An Iraqi plane carrying Iraq’s foreign and transport ministry’s officials Zebari and Hadi Al Amri arrived here on Friday.

 

On arrival, they were greeted by Kuwaiti officials, Kuwait Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Sheikh Saba Al Khalid Al Sabah, Iraqi Ambassador to Kuwait - Mohammed Hussein Bahr Al Ulum, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation president Fawaz Al Farah and Kuwait Airways Corporation chairman Sami Al Nisf with a symbolic ceremony followed by an official reception.

 

Iraqi diplomatic ties between the State of Kuwait was restored in 2012, after they reached a settlement over Gulf War debts and a series of bilateral visits involving His Highness Amir and Iraq’s Prime Minister in December. Kuwait Airways dropped legal cases against Iraqi Airways in return for compensation of US $ 500 million.

 

Sami Al Nisf further said that all outstanding issues between the two national carriers have been resolved and will resume flights at the earliest once the aircrafts are available.