A high level delegation from Kuwait made a whirlwind tour of Bermuda yesterday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and his deputy Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, with an entourage of about 20 people, made a private visit en route to Mexico.

They touched down at L.F. Wade International Airport around noon, and were greeted by Deputy Governor David Arkley as they walked along a pink carpet and on to a bus.

A short trip around the Island followed, including a courtesy call at Government House, to mark the first time dignitaries of that stature from the Middle Eastern country have visited Bermuda.

Premier Ewart Brown connected the trip to the tax information exchange agreement Bermuda signed with Bahrain five months ago.

"Rarely has Bermuda had the opportunity to host leaders of prominence from the Middle East," said Dr. Brown in a statement.

"I believe significance can be placed on our recent work in that jurisdiction with both the nations of India and Bahrain.

"In April of this year we signed the first double tax information exchange agreement with the country of Bahrain.

"At that time the agreement was touted as a significant step forward in enhancing business ties and investment opportunities that will facilitate outreach to other countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council.

"I am pleased that, in addition to extending the hand of friendship to His Highness and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, I can express my hope that this visit will be the first of many while building and solidifying the relationship between our Country and the House of Al Sabah."

A second visit might take place in the near future, Dr. Brown added.

"It was a pleasure meeting with His Highness and the Deputy Prime Minister of Kuwait today. Our discussions were wide-ranging and I know they are encouraged by the possibility of building stronger relationships with our Country.

"The Prime Minister expressed his enjoyment of the beauty of Bermuda and its people and said he looked forward to visiting us again."

Kuwait, located between Iraq and Saudi Arabia along the Persian Gulf, is widely known as one of the world's top exporters of oil. The ruling Al-Sabah family has an estimated wealth of $90 billion dollars, mainly from oil revenues.