The US Ambassador to Kuwait, Alina Romanowski, said the Kuwaiti-American relations are deep-rooted and strong, from the time since the US doctors set foot in Kuwait at the beginning of the nineteenth century, which culminated in the construction of the American Hospital.
She noted these relations also grew militarily and developed further in times of peace based on fruitful bilateral cooperation.
Romanowski described Kuwait as a “strategic partner and ally of Washington outside NATO,” noting that “the relations between the two countries are characterized by development through the six main working groups in the strategic dialogue: defense, security, education, economic cooperation, consular, customs and border security.
Moreover, this relationship has gone beyond bilateral frameworks to reach global issues. She said, “We seek to consolidate our relations in the health sector, especially in the area of health development projects in Kuwait, in addition to health issues and international issues of common interest.”
She noted, “there is constant and continuous communication between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries, Anthony Blinken and Sheikh Muhammad Al-Nasser, and with our allies the Europeans regarding what is happening between Ukraine and Russia.”
She stressed that “Kuwait is one of the influential regional and international players and has a major role in promoting peace in the region.”
She also praised the efforts made by Blinken and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nasser. She explained that she is working on a wide range of issues of common interest on an ongoing basis and is following up all areas of bilateral cooperation, including human rights and women’s empowerment, noting that the popular relations between Kuwait and America are among the strongest aspects of bilateral relations, and that the Kuwaiti people know America much better than some Americans.
She explained there are approximately 10,000 Kuwaiti students studying in the United States, and they are armed with the knowledge and experience to come back and support their community. She reiterated that the relationship is excellent because it is between two peoples, and “we understand each other well, and I am proud of this relationship.”
She added, “We look forward to the flourishing of commercial, economic and popular relations and the return of students to the United States after lifting of Covid-related restrictions in both countries.” She also affirmed her country’s support for the Kuwaiti private sector, especially the owners of small projects, and the increase in investments.
On Iran’s role in the region and whether there is hope for reaching an agreement with Iran regarding its nuclear program in light of the Vienna talks, Romanowski said that her country’s goal is for Iran not to obtain a nuclear weapon, stressing that Tehran plays a destabilizing role in the region and “we are in consultations with our partners and our allies in the region, with our European allies, as well as with the Russians and the Chinese, and we know that time is running out for us, and we have to decide quickly whether we will return to the nuclear agreement or not, in light of this delicate and sensitive time.”
On the increase in terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militias against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and whether there is US military support, she replied, “We have appointed a special envoy for Yemen, as we seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict fueled by external parties, which has resulted in a tragic situation on the humanitarian level.”
She pointed out, “The support her country is now providing to the UAE is to enable it to defend itself,” stressing, “We will continue our mission to see our allies able to protect themselves.”
In response to a question about the “Kuwaiti initiative” in Lebanon and whether this initiative would be able to break the ice between Lebanon and the Gulf states and re-contain Lebanon, she said: “We all know that the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Dr. Al-Nasser, tried to find a solution with his allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council, because we are as we all know that Kuwait has a good relationship, especially with Lebanon, so we are not surprised by the Kuwaiti position.
“We want to make sure that a diplomatic solution is reached, stressing that the situation in Lebanon is very complex and we are working hard with Kuwait and the countries of the region to find a solution to the Lebanese crisis, and Kuwait is effective in its initiatives not only in Lebanon, but in the region as a whole.”
She added, “We always stand with the Lebanese people, and we will always support them to preserve their sovereignty.” She noted, “there are ongoing discussions between the foreign ministers of the Americ and Kuwait to resolve the Lebanese crisis.” I
In response to a question about her transfer to Iraq after some rumors were leaked on this issue, that it was “a kind of punishment because of some wrong attitudes” she took in Kuwait, which was criticized by some, she said: “My move to represent my country in Iraq is not a punishment, because Iraq is an important country and a priority.”
In American foreign policy, and many of the ambassadors who served in Kuwait worked in Iraq, and Iraq is not far from Kuwait, and I was named by President Joe Biden because of my great experience in the region, which I worked in for about 40 years, and I worked in several agencies during these years.
She reiterated that “my choice by the administration in Washington to be the ambassador of my country in the race is due to what I was doing and what I did in Kuwait, which was very clear in promoting American national security interests here and building and expanding our relationship in Kuwait,” stressing at the same time that her move to Iraq is not because she made a mistake in Kuwait, and it is not a punishment, but on the contrary, it is a great honor and an exciting opportunity for her.
She added, “The process of my transition to Iraq requires time and cited complex procedures,” hoping that this matter will be completed “before the end of the year.” She pointed out that the new ambassador to Kuwait has not been named yet, but indicated that she will miss Kuwait, its distinguished culture, its pioneering diwaniyas, the openness of its people, their acceptance of others and their generosity.
She praised the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council in trying to bring Iraq closer to the council, and this would benefit the region. She brushed of fears of working in Iraq under difficult circumstances.
Source: Al Rai
