ShareKUWAIT: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, began his official visit to Kuwait on Tuesday, where he was warmly welcomed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace. The visit, attended by senior state officials, underscores the longstanding and thriving relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, built on shared values, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation.
During the visit, the Duke was also received by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, alongside key figures including Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs, and the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in security, defense, and other key areas of mutual interest.
In the afternoon, Prince Edward visited the Dickson House Cultural Centre, a significant landmark in Kuwait’s historical ties with Britain. The Duke explored the center’s exhibits, which showcase the deep-rooted history of Kuwait-UK relations and highlight the shared heritage between the two nations.
A history of strong relations
The visit of Prince Edward is a symbol of the growing relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, which dates back 125 years. This historic partnership began with the signing of the 1899 treaty, which marked the start of formal diplomatic relations. Since then, Kuwait and the UK have enjoyed strong political, economic, and cultural ties, which have deepened over the years through mutual support and shared goals.
Kuwait and the UK have aligned their visions on regional and global issues, further cementing their strong bilateral ties. These connections have flourished through regular diplomatic exchanges, high-level visits, and agreements across various sectors. In January 2024, Kuwait and the UK declared the year as the “Year of Kuwaiti-British Partnership,” a significant milestone in their enduring relationship. The proclamation, signed in August 2023 during the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the United Kingdom, reflects both nations’ commitment to fostering closer cooperation. A joint statement emphasized that the two countries will work together on key areas, including trade, investment, defense, cybersecurity, education, culture, and international development.
The Kuwaiti-British relationship has been further nurtured through the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group, established in 2012. This group meets biannually and focuses on areas like economic trade, investment, cultural exchange, education, and development, with an emphasis on tackling global challenges such as climate change, energy transformation, food security, and health.
Kuwait and the UK have long cooperated on issues of defense and regional security. The UK played a crucial role in supporting Kuwait’s territorial integrity, especially after Iraq’s invasion in 1990. Since then, the relationship has continued to grow, with both countries collaborating on defense, security, and humanitarian issues, as well as on economic development.
Milestones in recent years
Recent high-level visits have further strengthened this bond. Notably, in October 2023, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah visited the UK, marking his fourth trip to Britain. This visit, at the invitation of King Charles III, underscored the strength of Kuwait-UK ties and the ongoing commitment to deepening the partnership. Kuwait-UK relations have remained strong and stable, particularly after Kuwait’s independence in 1961. Following the country’s independence, Kuwait worked to develop fairer and deeper relations with Britain, which was key in supporting Kuwait’s defense and security needs, especially during the Gulf crisis.
As Kuwait and the United Kingdom continue to build upon their historic partnership, both nations look toward a future of enhanced collaboration. With ongoing strategic dialogues and efforts to tackle global challenges, the Kuwait-UK relationship is poised to grow stronger, ensuring mutual benefits for both nations. The Duke’s visit is yet another testament to the enduring strength of Kuwaiti-British relations, with both nations committed to advancing their shared goals and aspirations for a prosperous future. —KUNA
