November 13, 2024
2 mins read

UK, Kuwait celebrate 125 years of partnership 

Discussions also centred on the urgent humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon and efforts to uphold regional stability….reports Asian Lite News

As the UK and Kuwait continue celebrations to mark 125 years of partnership, the Minister for the Middle East visited for key meetings with counterparts. His visit focused on defence, security and investment cooperation and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting de-escalation across the Middle East. 

Discussions also centred on the urgent humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon and efforts to uphold regional stability. 125 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait are being marked by a visit from UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, in his first visit to Kuwait since taking office in July. 

Reiterating the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, he discussed the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East and ways in which the UK and Kuwait, as close friends and partners, could work together to address this. 

The Minister met senior Kuwaiti officials, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, alongside who he had co-chaired the 21st Kuwait-UK Joint Steering Group in London on 4 September; and the Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Ghanem Al-Ghenaiman. 

Reflecting on his visit, Minister Falconer said, “For over a century and a quarter, the UK and Kuwait have shared strong diplomatic relations. This landmark anniversary year has provided us with the opportunity to reflect on our shared history, whilst also strengthening current and future collaboration. With a focus on ensuring regional stability, the UK is committed to working alongside Kuwait on de-escalating tensions across the Middle East and securing unimpeded aid access into Gaza.” 

Addressing a range of bilateral priorities, the Minister welcomed last month’s deal for the UK’s SRT Marine Systems to support the development of the Kuwait Coastguard’s capabilities, noting the defence and security co-operations between the two nations. 

Turning to the UK government’s commitment to growth, the Minister also discussed plans to continue strengthening substantial trade and investment ties, highlighting the Sovereign Investment Partnership signed in August 2023 and positive progress of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. In 2023, the GCC was equivalent to the UK’s 9th largest trading partner – with total trade worth £57 billion. 

The Minister rounded off his visit by attending the first King’s Birthday Party to take place in Kuwait. While the theme was horticulture and heritage crafts – mutual interests of His Majesty the King and His Highness the Amir – Minister Falconer used his speech to stress the huge importance the UK places on its partnership with Kuwait, which spans a broad range of areas including trade and investment, defence and security, and culture and education. 

The Minister is visiting Kuwait as part of a wider Gulf tour. He will also visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the importance of a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon and de-escalation in the region. 

ALSO READ: WELBY QUITS  

Previous Story

Ribbon App Launches in the UK 

Next Story

UK, Cambodia hold 2nd Joint Trade and Investment Forum 

Latest from -Top News

Charm Abroad, Chaos Within: Munir’s Double Game

While Munir projects assurance on the world stage, his true test lies within Pakistan’s borders, where poverty, political alienation, and mounting insecurity converge…reports Asian Lite News Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s powerful

UN slams attacks on civilians in El Fasher

The office said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners remain committed to scaling up their life-saving support across Darfur…reports Asian Lite News UN humanitarians, alongside their partners in Sudan, are warning

Afghanistan vows retaliation after talks breakdown

While reiterating its commitment to dialogue, Kabul threatened that it would not tolerate further cross-border attacks….reports Asian Lite News Afghanistan issued a stern warning to Pakistan on Tuesday, vowing a strong response

ASEAN-India Summit lays path for multipolar Asia

According to the report, ASEAN continues to measure its success through pragmatic regionalism…reports Asian Lite News The ASEAN-India Summit provided a platform for Southeast Asian partners — India foremost among them —
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kuwait Fire: Indian Ambassador Meets Injured

The Indian diplomat met a number of patients and assured

Details revealed about King Charles III’s coronation service

The ceremony also will include female bishops for the first