KUWAIT: Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya confirmed on Thursday that the Kuwaiti-American relations are deep and distinguished, with a mutual commitment to developing and enhancing these ties to serve the shared interests of both countries and their friendly peoples. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister Al-Yahya mentioned that he had a phone call with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during which they reviewed the historical and strong bilateral relations between Kuwait and the United States, as well as the close strategic partnership between the two friendly nations. Al-Yahya emphasized Kuwait’s political leadership’s dedication to strengthening the strategic ties between the two countries at all levels, in various fields of common interest.

He also highlighted the mutual anticipation of the upcoming seventh round of the Kuwait-US Strategic Dialogue, scheduled to take place later this year in Washington, DC. He noted that this dialogue represents an important platform for advancing the strategic bilateral relationship, especially in enhancing cooperation in investment, education, culture, and military matters. The minister mentioned that his US counterpart reaffirmed the US commitment to Kuwait’s security and stability, acknowledging the deep-rooted and historic relationship between the two countries, with Kuwait being one of America’s key allies in the Middle East and playing an essential role in promoting regional security, stability, and peace.

Additionally, Minister Al-Yahya referred to the shared anticipation of the upcoming US-GCC Ministerial Meeting to be held in Kuwait in June, alongside the 164th GCC Ministerial Meeting, which will be hosted by Kuwait in its capacity as the chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council. During the call, they also discussed the latest developments in the region and international arenas. Rubio expressed his country’s appreciation for Kuwait’s balanced and fair stance on key issues, including Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon.

The high-level phone call comes after Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, met with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick last Wednesday to reaffirm the strong and long-standing partnership between Kuwait and the United States. The meeting followed recent remarks by Lutnick criticizing Kuwait’s trade policies, particularly regarding tariffs on American goods.

Lutnick had accused Kuwait of imposing some of the highest tariffs on US products, while invoking the United States’ role in liberating Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War. He suggested that Kuwait’s trade practices were unfair, given the financial cost of the Gulf War, reportedly claiming that the US spent “nearly $100 billion” to liberate Kuwait. However, official US records from 1992 indicate that the Gulf War cost the US approximately $61.1 billion, with Gulf states, including Kuwait, contributing about $36 billion. — Agencies