LONDON: The upcoming visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Britain will set another milestone in the strong and historic relations between the two nations, which have lasted for over 120 years. His Highness Sheikh Mishal, due to travel to Britain on August 28, visited the UK representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah back in September 2022 to offer condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 2023, His Highness the Crown Prince also visited the UK in his capacity as the Amir's representative to partake in the coronation of King Charles III. The relationship between the United Kingdom and the State of Kuwait is deeply rooted and illustrious, and indeed, the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement of 1899 is one of the highlights of such a relationship. In accordance with the agreement, Kuwait was set under the protection of the United Kingdom against external threats, and the government of Kuwait would have to consult with the British government in matters pertaining to relinquishing any parts of the country’s lands.
Britain continued to support Kuwaiti sovereignty, and this was evident in 1961 when then Iraqi President Abdulkareem Qaseem threatened to annex Kuwait as soon as it announced independence; however, Britain stood in the face of Iraqi greed. The UK remained steadfast in supporting Kuwait's freedom, and it was clearly revealed in 1990 when Britain denounced the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and took part in operations to restore Kuwait's legitimacy and sovereignty to its rightful owners.
Kuwait and Britain had signed in February 1992 an agreement after the liberation from the Iraqi invasion in which the UK would supply Kuwait with weapons as well as conduct military exercises. Regarding commercial exchanges, the historical records pointed out those commercial and business transactions dated back over 200 years.
British merchants and businessmen opened offices in Kuwait as early as 1793, and in 1821, the East India Company (EIC) moved its headquarters from Basra to Kuwait. British oil companies also contributed heavily to the discovery of oil in Kuwait. Kuwait, on the other hand, is one of the largest investors in the UK, with the Gulf country establishing the Kuwait Investment Office in London in 1953. - KUNA