Mix of Friendship Coffee flavour launched to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and Kuwait

The Times Kuwait Report
Embassy of Canada celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations with Kuwait with a distinctive initiative billed as ‘coffee diplomacy’, and held in coordination with the iconic Canadian coffee brand, Tim Hortons.
The event, held at the Canadian brand’s outlet in Kuwait last week, witnessed the launch of the ‘Mix of Friendship’ coffee flavor, Saffron Latte, which was specially blended and brewed by Tim Hortons to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The ‘coffee diplomacy’, which was hosted by Canadian Ambassador H.E. Aliya Mawani, saw the participation of a select gathering of coffee lovers and media personnel. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Mawani said that, “Considering coffee is something that people in both countries enjoy as part of their daily lives, we drew up this ‘Mix a Friendship’ initiative that literally brings the friendship between our people in a cup.
“The ‘Mix a Friendship’ blend uses traditional Kuwaiti coffee flavors blended with the flavors of a very beloved Canadian brand. We wanted to bring the flavors together in a fun way, so that people can not only talk about official relationships, but they can actually see it and taste it in this coffee. So we can certainly call this new relationship a coffee diplomacy.”
She added that the blend of flavors of the two countries, dovetail with the 60th anniversary logo, “where we blended the Sadu style of Kuwaiti weaving with iconic Canadian symbols. So we are really excited to do this collaboration, and we are also happy that the new flavor will be launched at the beginning of Ramadan, the month of synergy, and the time of gatherings of families and friends.”
The ambassador also revealed that starting in January 2025, the Canadian Embassy has launched a year-long calendar of events to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and to highlight the cultural, commercial and popular ties between Canada and Kuwait.
In response to a question about bilateral relations, Ambassador Mawani stressed that robust relations between the two nations were growing stronger in every field. “We have many Canadian companies active in Kuwait in the food, defence and security sectors, and increasingly in the technological sector, in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as in the healthcare sector. A memorandum of understanding was recently signed by the relevant health authorities in both countries.. The oil and gas industry is another important area for our two countries, so we have a lot of Canadian activity in the oil and gas fields in Kuwait,”
Regarding strategic ties between Canada and Kuwait, the ambassador recalled that “In the spring of 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, visited Canada, and met with our Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie. During the meeting a memorandum of understanding on strategic consultations was signed between the two countries.
“One of the things that helped to initiate this strategic consultation was that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuwait helped Canada to repatriate around 4,000 Canadians and Afghans from Afghanistan to Canada, with all of them transiting through Kuwait. We thus consider Kuwait a good and permanent friend.”
She pointed out that the established strategic consultations allow the two countries to consult with each other on the main developments happening around the world and in the region. “With Kuwait holding the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) this year and Canada being the chair of the G7 nations, this is an important time for us to share priorities and consult with each other”, added the Canadian envoy.
Regarding cultural activities being planned to mark the 60th anniversary, the ambassador said, “We have several cultural activities planned throughout the year, including a concert on 9 February in partnership with the Dar Al Athar and the world-renowned Canadian musician Steve Barakatt, who will host a concert during which he will present a special song to celebrate the 60th anniversary.
“We also have two exhibitions in April and May, with the one in April bringing together the well-known Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami and Canadian artist Reda Dost, who has lived in Kuwait for several years. These events highlight the strength and depth of the relationship between our two countries.”