The Times Kuwait Report
British Ambassador H E Belinda Lewis hosted a media luncheon where she discussed several issues on UK-Kuwait relations and the several bilateral meetings that were held by JSC Sub-Groups, including the Defense and Political Sub-Groups.
She disclosed that that the defense sub-group discussed a range of issues, including common security challenges and how to create more efficient procurement mechanisms between the UK and Kuwait.
She also revealed that the political sub-group discussed how UK and Kuwait can increase cooperation in international development and humanitarian assistance to address crises, including in Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan.
As part of extended talks held under the umbrella of the JSC, Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Al Jaber, and the new British Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, discussed a range of regional and bilateral issues. The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding under which the UK government will recommend private training providers to support the training and capacity-building programs provided by the Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission for public sector employees.
Additionally, Minister Falconer and Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Waleed Al-Bahar, signed two memoranda of understanding outlining plans to provide $6 million to fund UNICEF’s efforts to restore clean water supplies in Gaza and provide primary health care services in Yemen. This joint funding is expected to benefit approximately 2.5 million people in total.
The British Ambassador pointed out that Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah also attended the main show of the Kuwait Culture Week in the UK, which was titled ‘Rhythms from Kuwait’, which was a stunning display of traditional Kuwaiti music and dance. Regarding the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, Ambassador Lewis stressed the keenness of the British Embassy in Kuwait to work on joint initiatives with Kuwait to support the Palestinian people.
Regarding the number of Kuwaiti students in British universities, Lewis confirmed that her country is the preferred study destination for Kuwaiti students, as there are currently about 10,000 Kuwaiti students studying in UK universities, most of whom are funded through government scholarships. She added, “Kuwaitis study a wide range of courses, with cybersecurity and computer science among the most popular choices for those starting their studies this fall”.
Elaborating on the latest developments on the UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement, Ambassador Lewis stressed that completing the Free Trade Agreement is a top priority for the UK government, noting that the GCC is an important market for British companies and skilled professionals. She added, “We expect negotiations to resume soon to resolve the few remaining issues, stressing both parties’ desire to continue negotiations and enhance trade cooperation.”
Regarding military cooperation and joint training between the two countries, the British envoy said, “British Ministry of Defense personnel are working with their Kuwaiti counterparts to deliver two major joint exercises to test their readiness to respond to a range of threats. The first exercise is expected to take place in November 2024 and the second in February 2025.”
Speaking about celebrations being held to mark 125 years of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, Ambassador Lewis stated: “After the success of the Kuwaiti Culture Week in the United Kingdom, the Embassy is looking forward to the British Culture Week in Kuwait, which begins on 9 November.
She explained that the performances slated to be held at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Center by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will be one of the highlights of the British Culture Week. The British envoy also revealed that the Embassy is organizing several other events, including exhibitions showcasing British fashion designers and classic cars, and two British artists will paint murals to celebrate the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations, adding, “One of the murals will be a collaboration between a British artist and a Kuwaiti artist and will be located in the Gold Souq in Mubarakiya, while the other mural will be a beautiful addition to the public art on display in Al-Shaheed Park, and we hope that these murals will provide lasting souvenirs of this special anniversary year.”
