KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah took part in a ceremony to highlight the first anniversary of the establishment of the European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait. The event, held via videoconference, was hosted by Ambassador Cristian Tudor, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kuwait, with the participation of chiefs of all EU delegations in Kuwait. The event reflects the firm and close friendship between Kuwait and the EU and reflects fruitful progress in various cooperative domains and vital issues shared by both sides.

Addressing the celebration, the Kuwaiti foreign minister said he was pleased to participate in the gathering, saying this momentous step is a strong indication of the deep and resilient relationship between both sides, a testament to the importance each side lays upon the other. Moreover, Kuwait, through its relentless efforts, has strived to develop its relationships with all the institutions of the European Union and with individual member states, he said.

Success story

He hailed the relationship between the State of Kuwait and the European Union as truly unique and having resulted in a great success story and in a mutually beneficial relationship for both sides. “Kuwait is the first GCC country to sign a Cooperation Arrangement with the European Union, which is a cornerstone in our bilateral relations and also has resulted in the convening of the First Senior Officials’ Meeting between both sides, also a first for GCC countries, in November 2018,” said the Kuwaiti foreign minister.

“In fact, we are proud that the next Senior Officials’ Meeting is slated to take place on July 16. This Cooperation Arrangement has opened doors and paved the way for both sides to establish dialogue and to engage in detailed discussions in areas such as trade, investment, economy, human rights, security, humanitarian assistance cooperation, development, and many other issues,” he said.

The European Union and the State of Kuwait have engaged in intensive political consultations and discussions for mutual benefit and to address important regional and international issues, he stressed. Specifically, Kuwait and the European Union have co-hosted a number of international donor and relief conferences for Syria, Iraq, and the Rohingya people, he added. Kuwait and the EU are constantly engaging in security and counter-terrorism dialogues for the betterment of all countries in the region, he boasted. “The State of Kuwait and the European Union took part in a wonderful and frank discussion in February of this year when we held our first informal Human Rights Dialogue,” he added.

Regional mediation

Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser also thanked the European Union for continuing its support to Kuwait’s regional mediation efforts overseen by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to heal the Gulf fracture, in addition to the EU’s support for Kuwait’s endeavors to promote a dialogue based approach in the region. The EU-Arab relationship is an important and strategic partnership strengthened by close proximity and historic ties, he said, pointing out the groundbreaking first of its kind EU-Arab Summit that was held in Sharm El-Sheikh last year.

This event truly contributed to boosting the EU-Arab relationship in many aspects and provided a platform for mutual understanding and appreciating each side’s point of view, he noted. He also commended the EU for the honorable position it has taken in preserving the rights of the Palestinian people by continuing to advocate the two-state solution, in addition to the EU refusal of the Israeli annexation attempts on Palestinian land.

The minister further praised the EU for its genuine stand and the tireless efforts it has shown in supporting the Syrian people, appreciating its backing for the people of Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. The foreign minister concluded by speaking highly of the great efforts of the EU Delegation in Kuwait as part of promoting joint cooperation and upgrading bilateral ties to wider prospects.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Tudor lauded the great cooperation and support for the EU delegation since it was launched in Kuwait. He also spoke highly of the efforts and stands of the State of Kuwait on both regional and international levels, its humanitarian initiatives and efforts to maintain regional security and stability. Several senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attended the event. —KUNA