British Week in Kuwait marks 125 years of vibrant partnership

• The current annual bilateral trade value between the UK and Kuwait stands robustly at approximately two billion Kuwaiti dinars.

Belinda Lewis, the British ambassador to Kuwait, announced the active participation of British companies in supporting Kuwait’s endeavors to realize the objectives outlined in its Vision 2035.

Lewis made the remarks during the opening of the 11th British Week in Kuwait, held under the theme “Britain in Kuwait” for two days at the Capital Mall. The event coincides with the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the historic and robust Kuwaiti-British ties, as well as the declaration of 2024 as the Year of Kuwaiti-British Partnership.

Partnership centered on trade, investment

“I was delighted to visit the 11th British Trade Show (Britain in Kuwait), supported by the Department for Business and Trade at the Embassy,” Lewis expressed.

“As two free-trading nations, commercial ties have long been a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship,” she added, highlighting that “the value of our bilateral trade today stands at around two billion Kuwaiti dinars annually.”

Lewis emphasized that British companies operate across various sectors in Kuwait, introducing a multitude of familiar products and services to the local market. They play a significant role in supporting Kuwait’s endeavors to achieve the goals outlined in Vision 2035.

125 years of friendship and shared values

“This year’s celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-British partnership will provide a wonderful platform to further develop our commercial links, with goods and services designed to meet the needs of the present and the future,” Lewis said.

In a statement to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Lewis remarked, “The exhibition was very crowded, as many people were eager to explore the various exhibits. There were some stunning cars, British Airways and Kuwait Airways showcased their offerings, and numerous British companies participated. Additionally, there were beautiful pictures depicting the historic friendship dating back to 1919… It was a delightful evening.”

She added, “Everyone gathered here today has one purpose—to see His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. We are truly grateful for His Highness’s gracious presence amidst his busy schedule and for taking the time to visit the exhibition. Having him as our guest of honor is a genuine privilege.”

Celebrating a strong, enduring relationship

Sheikha Hala Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah remarked, “This exhibition is among those that reinforce our historical and deeply rooted relations with Britain.”She highlighted the significance of the exhibition’s timing, coinciding with Kuwait’s national holiday celebrations, as “excellent timing.”

While praising the old documents displayed in the exhibition from the days of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah and beyond, Sheikha Hala stressed, “These documents support our political rights in more than one region.”

For his part, Sheikh Faisal Al-Hamoud, Advisor at the Amiri Diwan, stated, “Kuwait will remain the capital of diplomatic, political, and economic giving in all its fields.”

He added, “Under the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad, we opened the Kuwaiti-British exhibition, which features historical pictures and various British products.”

Al-Hamoud continued, “This exhibition reflects the depth of Kuwaiti-British relations, which are strong, longstanding, and deeply rooted. The presence of the UK ambassador and the attendance of this large crowd of citizens are expressions of the strong connection between Kuwait and London, the two capitals across all levels—cultural, political, diplomatic, and commercial.”

He concluded, “I always wish success to Kuwait, which, by the grace of God, will remain the capital of diplomatic, political, and economic generosity in all its aspects.”

A strong track record of cooperation

Ahmed Behbehani, the chairman of the organizing committee, extended his gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad for his patronage of this significant event. This gesture reaffirms the depth and history of Kuwaiti-British relations, highlighting His Highness’s commitment to supporting events and activities aimed at bolstering the national economy and enhancing ties while fostering trade relations with sisterly and friendly nations.

Behbehani added, “The British Week in Kuwait symbolizes the deep-rooted ties between Britain and Kuwait, dating back to the signing of the Kuwaiti-British Agreement in 1899 by the late Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. This agreement affirmed Kuwait’s independence and kept the country out of major international conflicts. These exceptional relations have endured and flourished between the two nations across all political, economic, and cultural domains. We must also acknowledge Britain’s courageous stance during the Iraqi invasion.”