Economic summit opens in Kuwait

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The Arab Economic, Development and Social Summit opened this morning in Kuwait with the participation of President Jalal al-Talabani. Talabani, who arrived in Kuwait on Sunday (Jan. 18), will give a speech at the conference, which is expected to tackle Iraqi debts to Gulf countries, in addition to energy and investment issues. Talabani’s speech will highlight Iraq’s role in fighting terrorism and the improvement in security conditions, according to a presidential statement. The two-day summit will also address issues related to trade, transport, health, education, infrastructure, development and the repercussions of the global financial crisis for the Arab economy. The Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip is also one of the main items on the summit’s agenda. SS (P) 1