AMMAN — Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on Tuesday said Jordan and Morocco are the “closest” to the Arab Gulf countries, which enjoy “distinguished” ties with them.

In an interview with the Japanese daily Asahi Shimbun during an official visit to Japan, the emir added that Jordan, Morocco and the Gulf states agreed to realise a “strategic partnership” of economic development to support the region’s security.

Responding to a question on Jordan and Morocco’s accession to the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Sabah said: “We have agreed with Jordan and Morocco to provide them with the necessary support to boost their economic development and enable them to contribute in supporting security and stability in their respective countries and in the region as a whole. We have set this strategy and agreed on its principles.”