DPA: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah discussed Iran's nuclear programme and the possibility of joint reconstruction projects in Afghanistan and Iraq during talks in Berlin on Monday. Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Berlin – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah discussed Iran's nuclear programme and the possibility of joint reconstruction projects in Afghanistan and Iraq during talks in Berlin on Monday.
The leaders expressed a shared interest in developing economic and political relations between their countries, a German government spokesman said. This included possible cooperation on projects in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The talks also focused on the threat presented by Iran if the country acquired nuclear weapons, which would particularly affect Kuwait and neighbouring Gulf states due to their proximity.
Merkel stressed the importance of considering sanctions as a way of progressing towards a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff, her spokesman said in a statement.
The leaders also addressed Kuwait's relationship with the European Union, as well as plans for the Gulf state to sign a free trade deal with the EU.
Sheikh Sabah was later due to meet parliamentary president Norbert Lammert, as well as hold talks with President Horst Koehler the following day.
