Oct 6 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs ( GS ) has opened a new

office in Kuwait, it said on Monday, in a bid to expand its

services to regional clients and deepen its footprint in the

Middle East.

The bank said it had been Kuwait's strategic partner across

investment banking, capital markets and asset management for

more than 50 years.

A Goldman Sachs ( GS )-led professional training initiative aimed

at developing local talent across KIA, the Public Institution

for Social Security and the Kuwait Fund has been a key element

of the partnership.

"We look forward to deepening our longstanding partnership

with Kuwait as we establish this office to grow our capabilities

across the Middle East and better serve our clients," CEO David

Solomon said.

As part of the expansion, Goldman Sachs ( GS ) appointed Mohammad

Almatrouk as managing director to lead the new office, subject

to regulatory approval. The bank also recently named Fahad

Alebrahim as managing director in its private wealth management

division.

Oil-rich Kuwait is home to Kuwait Investment Authority

(KIA), one of the world's biggest sovereign wealth funds.