KUWAIT CITY - MORE doors are now open for Singapore and Kuwait to work together following President SR Nathan's just-concluded visit to the oil-rich emirate.

Top Kuwaiti officials spoke during meetings about the opportunities for joint investments, developing the sewer network here, and even studying Singapore's experience in the religious rehabilitation of terrorists, among other things.

'Judging by the tenor of their conversation, by the body language, it's very clear they are very sincere about this cooperation with us,' President Nathan told the Singapore media on Wednesday evening as he wrapped up his first State visit here.

One suggestion that Kuwaiti officials put forward is for both sides to jointly invest in a third country.

Ambassador-at-Large Gopinath Pillai, who has been tasked with looking into the issue, said the officials suggested Iraq as a possible country for joint investments. But both sides could also explore less risky options elsewhere in the Gulf.

President Nathan said the oil industry was also mentioned during his talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Nasser suggested boosting the oil trade between the two countries by developing higher value-added oil products.

Singapore buys mainly oil products and crude oil from Kuwait, which has 10 per cent of the world's reserves.

Mr Chong Lit Cheong, chief executive of trade promotion agency IE Singapore, disclosed that state-owned Kuwait Petroleum Corporation was keen on oil terminal and refinery projects in Singapore and asked about the availability of land.

Singapore, in turn, is trying to interest the company to use the Republic as a base to trade in oil, in the region and beyond.

Singapore's experience in managing solid waste and in connecting 100 per cent of its sewers is also of interest to Kuwait, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.

Currently, 70 per cent of Kuwait's sewers are connected. It hopes to achieve 100 per cent in three years.

He also noted that Public Works Minister Fadhil Safar Ali Safar, who visited Singapore this year, spoke with great admiration about the MRT system.

Such interest dovetails with Kuwait's move to draw up a masterplan for public transport and roads.

In the 30-minute interview, Mr Nathan, who arrives home on Thursday night, spoke about the warmth and sincerity of the Kuwaiti leaders that he met.