KUWAIT (APP) - Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called on Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, here at Bayan Palace on Monday and discussed bilateral ties and matters of mutual interest. Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah were also present in the meeting, in which the two sides besides discussing bilateral relations, also exchanged views on the matters of regional and international importance, particularly the challenges faced by the Ummah. Prime Minister Gilani, who arrived in Kuwait for the first time since assuming office in 2008, congratulated Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Kuwaits 50th Independence, 20th liberation anniversary and 5th anniversary of Amirs accession. He said that President Asif Ali Zardari would also visit Kuwait later this month on the occasion of Kuwaits independence celebrations. Gilani was also accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar and Chairman Board of Investment Salim Mandviwala. The prime minister also briefed the Amir of Kuwait about the measures being taken by the democratic government in Pakistan to tackle various challenges facing the country, including the war against terrorism and economic problems. Gilani referred to the historic and extremely cordial and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait and said that the two countries have commonality of views on various regional and international issues. My present visit is to further strengthen these ties, with focus on increased economic cooperation, he said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan desired to bolster relations with Kuwait in all spheres, particularly in trade and economy for the benefit of two countries. Gilani mentioned the challenges facing Pakistan with economic problems at the forefront, mainly due to global recession, recent devastating floods and the war on the terror and added that despite these challenges, the government had created very conducive environment for investment. The Prime Minister said that the Kuwaiti private sector could take advantage of Pakistans investment-friendly policies and environment and invest in various sectors of economy including agriculture, energy etc. Gilani thanked the Amir of Kuwait for generous support to Pakistan in difficult times, particularly during the 2005 earthquake and the recent floods. The Prime Minister mentioned the role of around 150,000 Pakistani expatriates working in diverse fields in Kuwait, including skilled and non-skilled workers and thanked the Amir of Kuwait for looking after them well.