Kuwait, the Netherlands united in defending international order and shared values

• Being relatively small countries surrounded by large neighbors, Kuwait and the Netherlands have always relied on diplomacy, soft power and economic cooperation to further their national interests.

The Times Kuwait Report

Dutch Ambassador to Kuwait, H E Laurens Westhoff, has reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the Netherlands and Kuwait, rooted in diplomacy, soft power, and economic collaboration.

He highlighted the two nations’ unwavering commitment to international law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the sanctity of internationally recognized borders.

Speaking at the Dutch Embassy’s National Day celebration attended by Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Ambassador Sadeq Maarafi, along with several heads of diplomatic missions Westhoff praised the long-standing cooperation between the two countries.

He recalled key moments of solidarity, including the 1990–1991 Gulf crisis, when the Royal Netherlands Navy joined the international coalition to help liberate Kuwait.

“For more than sixty years of diplomatic relations,” Westhoff said, both our countries have repeatedly affirmed their dedication to a multilateral international order. Yet, unfortunately, these principles are no longer as widely valued as they once were, and diplomacy is not always the go-to solution.”

The ambassador stressed the vital role of like-minded nations, such as Kuwait and the Netherlands, in championing a global system that fosters prosperity, freedom, and sustainable growth for their people and economies.

“Like Kuwait, the Netherlands is a maritime nation,” he added. “Our history is marked by journeys across the seas to discover new opportunities and forge connections with different cultures.

“Today, trade and business continue to deepen our ties, but we must also pursue new avenues of cooperation—especially on urgent global challenges like food security and climate change,” he said.