US reaffirms Kuwait’s status as major non-NATO ally, commitment to defense partnership
- US-Kuwait ties remain strong as Washington highlights defense and cybersecurity cooperation
- US Embassy in Kuwait continues routine and emergency visa, consular services
Washington says its security cooperation with Kuwait remains focused on military modernization, interoperability and cybersecurity, while routine and emergency consular services continue at the US Embassy in Kuwait.
The United States has reaffirmed Kuwait’s position as a major non-NATO ally and key strategic partner in the Gulf, stressing Washington’s continued commitment to the bilateral defense relationship and to strengthening Kuwait’s security and military capabilities.
The US State Department made the remarks in response to questions from Al-Rai newspaper about security cooperation between the two countries, regional developments, cybersecurity cooperation, consular services and US visa procedures. “Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally and a key strategic partner in the Gulf,” the State Department said, adding that the defense partnership supports Kuwait’s ongoing modernization of its military capabilities while strengthening interoperability and coordination across areas of military cooperation.
Focus on cybersecurity
On cybersecurity, the State Department said Washington and Kuwait maintain a strong bilateral security partnership aimed at strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure, improving cyber-defense capabilities at the regional level and addressing shared digital threats.
It also emphasized that bilateral relations extend beyond defense and security to include trade, energy, education, science and technology, and cybersecurity, as well as ties between the two countries’ peoples.The department described US-Kuwait relations as “deep, evolving and forward-looking,” while identifying defense cooperation as one of their principal pillars.
“Kuwait is a close and valuable ally,” it said, adding that the relationship would continue to grow and develop.
Visa and consular services
Regarding visa services for Kuwaiti citizens, including applications for tourist, student and medical visas, the State Department said the US Embassy in Kuwait is currently providing routine and emergency consular services. It added that visa applicants across all categories can book interview appointments through the electronic scheduling system.
The department said the administration of President Donald Trump is applying stringent vetting and screening standards as part of efforts to protect US citizens. “A visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said, stressing that each visa application constitutes a national security decision.
US authorities, it added, take the time necessary to assess applications and determine whether applicants meet the requirements for the visas they seek and do not pose a threat to US security and safety. The State Department also confirmed that it continues to provide consular assistance to US citizens in Kuwait, including processing applications for the issuance and renewal of passports.
