WHEREAS, While always being aware and sensitive to another people's cultural way of life, and striving to never interefere in the social patterns of that society, a mutually respectful exchange of ideas and commerce can only forge stronger bonds of understanding and respect between international friends; and

WHEREAS, Imam Sheikh Abdullah of Providence has had the vision and industry to propose the creation of a state relationship between the Republic of Kuwait and the State of Rhode Island; and

WHEREAS, This proposal has already gathered broad support from Rhode Island's local, state and federal leader due to the mutual economic and cultural benefits such an arrangement would bring to all parties; and

WHEREAS, The state relationship can only foster greater cultural, religious and economic empathy between our two peoples, not only at governmental levels, but amongst citizens, organizations and institutions of every kind. Imam Skeikh Abu Abudullah's dream of expanding the boundaries of comprehension between the peoples of Kuwait and Rhode Island should indeed be realized; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby respectfully calls upon the governments of Kuwait, the United States of America and the State of Rhode Island to form a state relationship between Rhode Island and the Republic of Kuwait to engender mutually advantageous economic opportunities and greater cultural and religious understanding; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the governor of Rhode Island and his highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Amir of the State of Kuwait.