Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received in Kuwait Wednesday US Secretary of Defense Lloyd James Austin.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between Kuwait and the United States of America and ways to strengthen them, in addition to enhance cooperation in various fields.

The US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States’ supportive position for the security and stability of Kuwait. He conveyed appreciation by US President Joe Biden, expressing his country’s gratitude for Kuwait’s cooperation in Washington’s evacuation process in Afghanistan while facilitating the transit of evacuees through its airport, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said.

Austin stressed the US’ firm and supportive position for the security and stability of Kuwait, KUNA added. HH the Emir conveyed his appreciation to US President Biden, wishing him everlasting health and wellbeing and for his country further development and progress.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various fields. The two sides also addressed top issues of common interest and the latest developments in the region.

Austin also separately met with Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber AI-Ali Al-Sabah.

The meetings discussed opportunities for advancing the US-Kuwait partnership.

The officials also exchanged views on regional challenges and latest regional developments.

On August 24, Alina L Romanowski, the US Ambassador to Kuwait, said the first flight of Afghans evacuated from Afghanistan on their way to the United States arrived in Kuwait for transit. “These Afghans at risk have been safely evacuated to a coalition military facility in Kuwait,” the Ambassador had said on Twitter.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Tuesday that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the world, after talks with allies on how to present a united front to the hardline new government in Afghanistan. “The Taliban seek international legitimacy.

Any legitimacy - any support - will have to be earned,” Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis.