Australian Ambassador H.E. Jonathan Gilbert, held a press conference on June 22 ahead of his departure from the country at the end of his tenure. As he prepares to return to Australia, he noted that his time in Kuwait was fruitful and broadening.
Discussing the education prospects in Australia, the ambassador noted that Australia currently houses around 400 students; he hopes these numbers can grow again now that COVID-19 travel and entry restrictions have been lifted.” He also expressed his exhilaration that the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) has become a university.
He added that progress is being made with the Kuwait Institute of Medical Science, which is currently placing Kuwaiti doctors in Australia for residency. He defined this as “an integral part of the lives and careers of so many young Kuwaitis.” He also emphasized that although there is a delay in issuing visas, students should not be concerned, as the academic year in Australia starts only in February.
On a research scale, Australia and Kuwaiti scientists have been working together to combat environmental issues, which include marine conservation, fisheries management, and land preservation. This highlights the essential cooperation of Australia with Kuwait on a multitude of facets of education and research being one of them.
In terms of Kuwait’s trade and bilateral agreement with Australia, he noted the outstanding field of cooperation between the two countries, “in our longstanding food trade that dates to the 1960s,” with Australia exporting 580 million dollars worth of products to Kuwait.” Australia has consistently shipped wheat, barley, lamb, beef, and fruits to Kuwait. This is integral to the food security of Kuwait as the global socio-economic situation could cause food shortages that could have detrimental effects on societies that lack consistent and assured trade agreements.
The ambassador assured that for celebrating the festival of Eid al Adha, there will be Australian poultry available. Although Australia typically does not export poultry in these months, the Eid celebrations are moving towards the autumn months means they will meet future demand for poultry. Kuwait has also continued to take advantage of the growing Australian economy, investing 150 billion dollars to date in Australian equities, infrastructure, renewable energy, and commercial real estate. The ambassador hoped to deepen the investment and economic relationships between Kuwait and Australia.
Although the Australian and Kuwait agreements are longstanding and strong, there is room for improvement. The ambassador hoped the trade process would further improve with the phenomenon of e-government. If these procedures become more efficient, Kuwait should expect food to move faster. He also hopes to see a greater focus and emphasis on the East, as he notes the “world’s political and economic future is the east.”
By Fatimah Al Attar Special Correspondent
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