‘Europe Day’ marks strong, friendly ties between Kuwait and Europe

• “The partnership between Kuwait and Europe has flourished, enabling them to establish a solid foundation for continued success and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah,” said H.E. Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of the EU to Kuwait.

Abdullah Al-Yahya, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, took part in the annual celebration of Europe Day. The event was attended by heads of missions from European Union member states, as well as members of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited to Kuwait.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that this occasion celebrates the strong and close friendly relations between the State of Kuwait and friendly European countries. It also signifies a dedication to the fruitful progress between the two sides in various fields of cooperation.

The ministry highlighted that this occasion also reflects the common aspiration to expand and deepen these relations, reaching broader and wider horizons, and achieving all common goals between the two sides.

H.E. Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Kuwait, expressed her happiness that the European Union (EU) has granted Kuwaiti citizens very preferential rules related to the Schengen visa. Kuwaiti citizens are now given multiple-entry visas for up to five years, with the goal of achieving complete exemption from the Schengen visa for Kuwaiti citizens.

The ambassador expressed her deep gratitude to the Kuwaiti government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its exceptional cooperation over the past five years. She noted that their partnership has flourished, enabling them to lay a solid foundation for continued success and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al Sabah.

H.E. added that they have made joint efforts to cooperate in many fields, including influential projects in sectors such as the just green transition, renewable energy, and women’s empowerment, in accordance with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Additionally, they have initiated joint initiatives related to youth, the academic sector, investment, and human rights.

The ambassador continued that while the EU maintains its position as Kuwait’s second-largest trading partner, there is a lot of untapped potential for further cooperation. They stressed their commitment to strengthening the partnership with Kuwait in order to achieve our common goals, as the EU remains a close and reliable partner, contributing to the implementation of Kuwait Vision 2035.

The ambassador remarked, “Today, on the ninth of May, we celebrate Europe Day. This is my first celebration as the European Union’s ambassador to Kuwait, and I’m pleased to say that Kuwait and its people have warmly welcomed me, demonstrating a sincere desire to enhance relations and develop a long-term partnership between the EU and Kuwait.”

Deeply concerned about tragedy of Palestinians

Ambassador Koistinen expressed that people in Europe, Kuwait, and around the world are deeply concerned about the tragedy of the Palestinians in Gaza. Kuwait, the EU, and other like-minded partners are working diligently to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation there. Within the European Union, there’s a strong belief in the necessity of instilling hope in the Palestinian people. Consequently, we continue our support for UNRWA, alongside our firm commitment to the two-state solution. It’s also crucial not to overlook the suffering of other vulnerable people in the region and beyond.

‘Team Europe’

The ambassador extended her gratitude to the 16 embassies of the European Union member states in Kuwait for their collaborative efforts with the EUdelegation. Together, they have showcased the spirit of ‘Team Europe’ through a range of events and activities to commemorate Europe Month in Kuwait.