ShareKUWAIT: This week marks 125 years since establishment of the 1899 Anglo-Kuwaiti agreement, a protectorate agreement launching decades of diplomatic relations, cooperation and strategic partnership. In honor of the momentous event, the two governments dubbed 2024 the year of Kuwaiti-British Partnership, as per an agreement signed on the sidelines of an official visit by HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, then Crown Prince, to the United Kingdom in August 2023.
A joint statement issued by both countries’ foreign ministries on Thursday highlighted the exponential growth of the deeply-rooted relations over the course of 125 years; years marked with support and cooperation in the face of regional and global challenges, and in defense of common values. This year is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, including investment relationships, embodied in the establishment of the Kuwait Investment Office 70 years ago, as well as the defense of the territorial integrity of Kuwait in the First Gulf War.
The two nations are setting out to augment current and future cooperation through high-level visits, events, initiatives and promotion of cultural and educational exchange. “Key areas of focus for cooperation will include trade and investment, defense, cyber security, education, culture and international development ... key foreign policy issues which underpin mutual security and prosperity, as well as shared challenges and opportunities that are emerging in our ever-changing world,” read the statement.
Furthermore, the statement expressed eagerness of both countries for the soon-to-be-launched Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to replace its visa waiver predecessor and make travel to the UK more accessible than ever. Cyber security and defense is another field the two are looking forward to amplifying cooperation on with the UK’s help in establishing the National Cyber Security Center in Kuwait.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah spoke of Kuwait’s pride in the steadfast relations between the two nations, underlining their intent on bolstering these ties. He also took note of the upcoming events to take place this year, indicating that this has been brought forth by HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s last visit to the UK.
Similarly, British Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Commonwealth and United Nations, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, voiced the UK’s pride in these durable relations, saying that this year is a thrilling opportunity to reflect on the past 125 years and to look forward to stimulating future cooperation. On a personal level, Lord Ahmad stated that he is looking forward to visiting Kuwait next month as part of the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group meetings alongside Sheikh Jarrah. The British minister also expressed his complete confidence that the exceptional relations between the two nations will continue to expand over the next 125 years and beyond. — KUNA
