New defense pact strengthens 40-year military ties with Kuwait, says Pakistan Envoy
- Pakistan looks forward to expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including defense, in a way that supports peace, security, and stability across the region — H.E. Dr. Zafar Iqbal
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, said the recent decree approving the Kuwait-Pakistan Defense Cooperation Agreement marks the completion of Kuwait’s constitutional and legal procedures for the accord signed by both countries on June 11, 2023.
Iqbal stressed that the approval is part of the agreement’s normal legal process and is not linked to any recent regional developments or security tensions.
The ambassador noted that Kuwait and Pakistan have maintained close defense ties since the early 1980s, with cooperation spanning military training, professional exchanges, and capacity building.
He added, the new agreement provides a modern institutional framework to regulate and strengthen a defense partnership that has continued for more than four decades.
Iqbal explained that the agreement does not predetermine specific areas of military cooperation, such as air defense, drone technology, or electronic warfare.
Instead, future areas of collaboration will be identified through consultations between the competent authorities in both countries, based on mutually agreed priorities.
Joint Military Committee
The agreement also establishes a Joint Military Committee, which Iqbal described as a bilateral mechanism responsible for coordinating and monitoring defense cooperation.
Its meetings, agenda, and activities will be jointly determined by the relevant authorities in Kuwait and Pakistan.
Addressing questions about expanding defense cooperation amid recent Gulf security challenges, the ambassador said both countries share a common commitment to promoting regional peace, security, and stability.
He emphasized that bilateral defense relations have always been guided by mutual respect, shared interests, professional cooperation, and capacity building.
He added that any future initiatives would be developed through existing bilateral mechanisms and implemented only with the agreement of both governments, in line with their respective national interests.
Technology Transfer and Defense Manufacturing
On whether the agreement could lead to military technology transfers or joint defense manufacturing, particularly given Pakistan’s capabilities in defense production, missile technology, and unmanned systems, Iqbal said the agreement establishes only a general framework for cooperation.
Any specific projects or initiatives, he said, will be jointly evaluated by the relevant authorities in both countries in accordance with their national priorities and procedures.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to its partnership with Kuwait, Iqbal said the new agreement further strengthens a defense relationship built over more than 40 years.
He added that Pakistan looks forward to expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including defense, in a way that supports peace, security, and stability across the region.
