KUWAIT'S STUNNING DONATION FOR IRAQ

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (right) and Iraqi
Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi (left) during their meeting Wednesday in Kuwait.

KUWAIT CITY : Kuwait's ruling Emir said on Wednesday that his oil-rich nation will give $1 billion in loans and $1 billion in direct investments to help rebuild Iraq.

*A stunning donation* as only a generation ago Saddam Hussain invaded the small, oil rich nation.

Sheilh Sabah AI Ahmad AI Sabah's offer shows the deep interest his nation has in making sure Iraq becomes a peaceful, stable country after the war against the Islamic state group and the chaos that followed the 2003 US-lead invasion of Baghdad.

''This large assembly of international communities that are here today is reflective of the large loss  that Iraq withstood in facing terrorism,'' Sheikh Saba said at a donor's summit at Kuwait City's Bayan Palace.

''Iraq cannot commence the mission of rebuilding itself without support, which is why are we all here today from all around the world, to stand by Iraq's side,'' he added.

However, the country needs far more donations on Wednesday, the last day of an appeal for funding to come forward at the Kuwait conference.

Overall, Iraq is seeking $88.2 billion in aid from the donors.[Agencies].