The Times Kuwait Report
Ambassador of the European Union H.E. Anne Koistinen hosted a casual yet elegant Ghabga at her residence for local journalists on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. The event was marked by a vibrant expression of hospitality, warmth and traditional ambience.
Speaking on the occasion Ambassador Koistinen said that the European Union considers Kuwait a close and reliable friend. “The EU message to the Kuwaiti leadership is very clear, you can rely on the European Union.”.Congratulating Kuwait on assuming the rotating presidency of the GCC in 2025, the EU Ambassador pointed out that the EU was eager to work with Kuwait in advancing EU-GCC relations during the Kuwaiti presidency. She added that this year was significantly important in bilateral relations, as Kuwait would be hosting the next EU-GCC Ministerial meeting later in the year.
Ambassador Koistinen further pointed out that EU and Kuwait have a strong friendship based on shared interests, including Kuwait’s genuine support to multilateralism and the principles of good international cooperation. Indicating that the EU appreciates Kuwait’s voice of common sense and moderation, she added, “I see a positive potential in our relations, there is much more we can do together bilaterally, regionally and at the global level.”
She noted that the European Union and Kuwait were both strong humanitarian actors and shared a strong interest in supporting vulnerable populations around the world, in support and cooperation with the UN system and multilateral organizations. The ambassador added that Kuwait is a key partner for the European Union in the humanitarian and development fields. “Last month, the European Commission’s Director General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Maciej Popowski visited Kuwait. During his meetings with Kuwaiti officials, both the EU and Kuwait agreed to continue working together in humanitarian crisis contexts and promote multilateralism,” said the ambassador.
Elaborating on bilateral trade, she said the EU was also Kuwait’s second-largest trade partner, which reflects their strong economic ties. There are ongoing dialogues and initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment opportunities. “For instance, the EU just launched the second phase of the EU-GCC Economic Diversification Project, which aims to consolidate the EU’s status as a partner of choice for GCC countries including Kuwait for economic, trade and investment cooperation. Moreover, the next edition of the annual EU-GCC Business Forum will be taking place in Kuwait towards the end of 2025.
Further elaborating on areas of cooperation, the ambassador said that EU and Kuwait were cooperating on intercultural cooperation, student exchanges, higher education cooperation, women’s empowerment and people-to-people contacts, which improve mutual understanding and trust between our peoples. “In that sense, facilitating Schengen visa requirements for Kuwaiti nationals was also one of my priorities.”
Reflecting on the EU experience, the ambassador noted, “Some global powers are putting forward competing visions and agendas about the global order, which challenge established multilateral rules and organisations. For us at the European Union, we know very well from our own history where this leads. We have suffered from centuries of competition between powers, which have led to two world wars and some of the most horrific acts ever committed by humankind.
“The Europeans realised that cooperation and mutual trust were the only way forward. This belief led to the formation of the European Union, which is a peace project deeply rooted in multilateralism and adherence to the UN Charter, and this earned it the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. “Sadly, Gaza and Ukraine still remind us these days how much the international community needs an efficient multilateral system, founded on universal rules and values that are respected by all.”
Respect for the UN Charter, the rules-based international order and international law has never been so much at stake as in current times. Ambassador Konisten said that the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, had said last week at the Arab League Summit in Cairo, that the EU firmly rejected any attempt at demographic and territorial changes in Gaza. “The European Union also welcomed the Arab plan on Gaza. We believe that it is important that it covers all strands—reconstruction, governance and security. The European Union is ready to provide concrete support for the plan.” she noted
She also emphasized that the EU supported a political path that builds on the Arab Peace Initiative, and that they have been working together with the League of Arab States, the OIC and some Arab countries in the framework of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State solution. .
Regarding Ukraine she noted that International law and rules-based order was also under threat in Ukraine. Russia violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by annexing Crimea in 2014 and launching a full-scale invasion in 2022. “This unprovoked aggression threatens not only Ukraine, but sets a delicate precedent that could make this changing world a more dangerous place. Kuwait, she said, had also been the victim of a war of aggression in 1990 and therefore it has always expressed its unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.
