KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah reiterated the country’s dedication to humanitarian principles, adding Kuwait will not forget those who have served the nation.
Speaking on the sidelines of the UAE’s 53rd National Day celebration on Monday, Sheikh Fahad emphasized that individuals whose Kuwaiti citizenships were revoked under article 8 of the citizenship law — including wives, divorced women and widows of Kuwaiti citizens — will retain their jobs and salaries. This directive, he noted, comes from HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
Sheikh Fahad reaffirmed that citizenship is a sovereign matter, as determined by court rulings, and is not subject to judicial review. "This is a point many legal experts have confirmed, and it has been conclusively settled by a court of cassation ruling,” he added.
On Kuwait’s preparations to host the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, Sheikh Fahad assured that all arrangements were complete, citing the successful organization of a recent friendly match between Kuwait and Jordan as evidence.
He also praised the strong, brotherly relations between Kuwait and the UAE, commending the UAE’s achievements. He recalled the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan’s unwavering support for Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, describing it as a testament to the historic bond between the two nations.
UAE Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Matar Hamed Al-Neyadi emphasized the progress in bilateral relations between the two countries, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability and cooperation. He noted that high-level visits have played a key role in strengthening these ties, with both nations signing multiple agreements and work programs to enhance collaboration in various sectors.
Economically, Dr Al-Neyadi highlighted key milestones, including the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement and the UAE’s first exhibition of Emirati companies in Kuwait, titled "Unlocking Kuwait’s Potential in the Kuwaiti Market”, held under the patronage of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister. These initiatives, he said, underscore the UAE’s commitment to fostering economic partnerships as part of its broader strategy for diversification and strengthening international trade relations.
Dr Al-Neyadi also outlined the UAE’s foreign policy priorities, which focus on economic partnerships, promoting global prosperity and addressing challenges like climate change. He noted the UAE’s leadership in accelerating climate action and building a climate-resilient economy as a global model for international collaboration on environmental issues.
"To support this vision, the UAE has actively pursued Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with key strategic partners,” he said. "To date, several CEPAs have been finalized, with negotiations completed on eight additional agreements. These efforts align with the UAE’s broader strategy of economic diversification and strengthening international trade relations.”