Harare — KUWAIT has extended loans and grants amounting to US$63,6 million to Zimbabwe to support infrastructural development.

According to the 2004-2005 annual report of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Develo-pment, the Middle Eastern country extended US$54,2 million to the transport and communication sector and a further US$9,39 million to the agricultural se-ctor.

A number of African countries benefited from the Kuwait Fund which supported 24 projects, in several sectors, at a cost of US$1,2 billion.

"The fund will continue diligently to strengthen its co-operation with developing nations and to help them achieve their development goals, while maintaining friendly relationships with partner countries, built on mutual respect which would serve our national objectives and to promote the role of the State of Kuwait in the international community," said Mr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who chairs the fund.

Zimbabwe and Kuwait enjoy excellent bilateral and multilateral relations and the former has a diplomatic mission in Kuwait.

Since 1980, Kuwait has extended grants to fund the purchase of diesel locomotives for the National Railways of Zimba-bwe and road projects, which included the Mhandamabwe-Chivi-Tokwe, Bulawayo-Nkayi and the Buchwa-Rutenga roads.

Kuwaiti Ambassador Saud Al-Daweesh said there were many business opportunities that people from the two countries could tap to further enhance bilateral relations.

Recently, Acting President Joice Mujuru signed the book of condolence at the Kuwait Emb-assy in Harare to. pay homage to the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheik Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.