Kuwaiti-European relations show depth, distinction, and development

• “The relationship between Kuwait and the European Union encompasses many diverse topics, ranging from the economy and trade to relations between peoples and regional security,” said Luigi Di Maio, the European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region.

• “The EU mission in Kuwait looks forward to closely collaborating with the Kuwaiti government and all sectors of Kuwaiti society to further strengthen the robust EU-Kuwait partnership,” said H.E. Anne Koistinen, the European Union Ambassador to the State of Kuwait.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya expressed his happiness in participating in the ceremony held by the European Union Mission in Kuwait, celebrating the five-year anniversary of the European Union Embassy’s opening in Kuwait.

Yahya praised the depth of Kuwaiti-European relations, describing them as distinguished and developed. He added, “I received information that the Schengen file for Kuwaitis is receiving attention from the special envoy of the European Union for Gulf countries. We are awaiting the outcome after the European elections this summer, noting that this matter (the Schengen file) is under consideration by the European side.”

Regarding preparations for the Gulf-European summit scheduled for October, he replied, “We are always ready.”

In turn, Luigi Di Maio, the European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region, stated that relations have steadily grown in recent years since the opening of the European Union mission. He also highlighted progress within the framework of the new strategy for the Gulf region adopted by the European Union in May 2022.

Di Maio referred to the visit of the High Representative, Josep Borrell, to Kuwait upon assuming office and his meetings with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister on several occasions.

“The relationship between Kuwait and the European Union encompasses many diverse topics, ranging from the economy and trade to relations between peoples and regional security. As stated by High Representative JosepBorrell, ‘Kuwait is a close and reliable friend of the European Union.’”

He continued, “The existence of an embassy or full representation is a vital tool for regular and fruitful exchange and communication, which reflects mutual trust. There is a need for dear friends during unrest and crises, and we are fortunate to be able to rely on our Kuwaiti partner, who plays a unique role in the region and beyond, especially in the context of tensions and major crises in our regions.”

He pointed out that this is his third visit to Kuwait since assuming his position as the European Union Special Representative for the Gulf region a year ago. Since then, he has worked closely with all relevant parties, including his Kuwaiti counterparts, to implement concrete projects based on the five core elements of his office’s tasks: trade and investment, energy and communications, regional security, people-to-people communication, and the institutional relationship between the EU and the GCC.

He added, “Regarding the relationship between our youth, who are the future of our partnership, last May in Belgium we organized the first joint training between young diplomats from the GCC countries and the European Union. I would like to thank the Kuwaiti authorities for sending distinguished representatives, Nourand Abdulaziz, to this program.”

He added, “Now we want to strengthen bilateral relations between our young diplomats, and we will start discussions on possible projects related to new cooperation between the College of Europe, established in 1949 and based in Bruges, and the Sheikh Saud Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute.”

He also spoke of efforts to resume negotiations on the EU-GCC Free Trade Agreement, adding, “We are ready to work on alternative formulas in order to unlock the great potential of our relationship.”

He continued, “We are fully aware of the strong expectations here in Kuwait regarding the facilitation of visa procedures. The timing and approach to this matter will be determined by the newly elected European Parliament and the new Commission. Please rest assured of my commitment to this crucial topic for our cooperation.”

He expressed his aspiration to continue strengthening dialogue and partnership within the broader context of enhancing relations between the European Union and the Gulf. He emphasized his readiness to collaborate closely, especially in light of Kuwait’s upcoming presidency of the GCC at the end of this year, when Kuwait will assume the presidency from our Qatari friends.

On this occasion, he said, “The EU mission in Kuwait was opened five years ago by my dear friend Federica Mogherini, then EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs. This opening marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the EU and Kuwait.”

For her part, H.E. Anne Koistinen, the European Union Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, said, “It has been five years since then-Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Federica Mogherini, then-High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union, opened the EU Mission in Kuwait on July 14, 2019.”

She added, “During these five years, the friendship between the EU and Kuwait has strengthened significantly. High-level contacts between Kuwait and the EU have increased, and I am proud that we have closely collaborated with Kuwaiti authorities and society on a wide range of common interests. These include green transformation, environmental protection, trade and investment, economic diversification, security, counterterrorism, human rights, women’s empowerment, international development, humanitarian aid, combating disinformation, and other important topics.”

“The EU ambassador praised the support of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Kuwaiti government, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in achieving these accomplishments. She stated, “We also appreciate the distinguished support of our partners and friends in Kuwaiti society, as this support has been essential for our work in Kuwait.”

“The EU mission in Kuwait looks forward to closely collaborating with the Kuwaiti government and all sectors of Kuwaiti society to further strengthen the robust EU-Kuwait partnership,” the ambassador added.