KUWAIT: The UK and Kuwait are deepening their diplomatic, defense, and cultural ties through recent high-level Joint Steering Group meetings focused on shared security challenges and enhanced collaboration in many fields. During a media lunch, UK Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating, "This Joint Steering Group represents the long-standing and fruitful relationship between our two countries. We are focused on deepening our cooperation, not just in defense but also in areas like international development, where the UK and Kuwait have a significant role to play globally.”
For the first time, the Joint Steering Group introduced a political subgroup, a step welcomed by both nations. Co-chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, and Melinda Bohannon, Director General for Humanitarian and Development at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the political subgroup concentrated on global crises such as Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan. Discussions centered on increasing collaboration on humanitarian assistance, building upon both nations’ efforts to address these pressing issues.
"Our joint humanitarian efforts, particularly in Gaza and Yemen, are not only about providing immediate relief but are part of a broader commitment to ensuring long-term stability in the region. The Political subgroup represents a vital forum for tackling these challenges,” Ambassador Lewis said.
She affirmed that Kuwait and the UK’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people continues through joint initiatives, noting that the British Embassy, in partnership with Kuwait’s Red Crescent Society and the David Nott Foundation, has trained Kuwaiti doctors to deploy specialist medical techniques in Gaza. Moreover, the collaboration is set to expand with the upcoming appointment of an International Trade Manager under the UK-funded Tasdeer program, focused on boosting Palestinian exports to Kuwait.
Regarding bilateral agreements, she added that a significant memorandum of understanding was signed between the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the UK, committing $6 million in joint funding towards UNICEF’s efforts to restore clean water supplies in Gaza and enhance primary healthcare services in Yemen. This initiative is expected to benefit 2.5 million people across the two regions.
UK ambassador continued "On September 4, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, His Excellency Sheikh Jarrah, and the UK’s newly appointed Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, signed a memorandum of understanding. The MoU focuses on enhancing Kuwait’s civil service sector through the training and capacity-building programs offered by Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission, with the UK providing support through recommended private training providers.”
On the defense level, the ambassador indicated that the cooperation remains a cornerstone of the Kuwait-UK relationship. "By the end of 2024, 32 UK military training teams will have visited Kuwait, sharing expertise in areas ranging from diving to bomb disposal and battlefield first aid. Two major joint military exercises are planned for November 2024 and February 2025, aimed at enhancing the readiness of both nations to respond to regional threats.” "Our defense collaboration is built on mutual trust and shared goals. We are proud of the ongoing joint training efforts and look forward to the success of the upcoming exercises.”
The ambassador also touched on the cultural showcases planned to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Kuwait-UK diplomatic relations. "In Kuwait, British Culture Week, scheduled for November, will feature a headline performance by the UK’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre. Exhibitions of British fashion, classic cars, and murals celebrating the anniversary will also be key attractions, symbolizing the lasting ties between the two countries,” she said. "Our shared history spans more than a century and we are delighted to celebrate this important milestone. The planned events reflect the deep cultural ties that continue to thrive between our countries.”
She concluded that as both countries look ahead, the Kuwait-UK partnership continues to evolve marked by shared objectives and a commitment to peace, prosperity, and mutual respect, pointing out that the recent Steering Group meetings and cultural events reaffirm the strong foundation upon which future collaboration will be built.