UK Deputy PM describes Kuwait as reliable partner for regional stability
Kuwait is a reliable partner and a key player in regional stability, British Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice Lord Chancellor, David Lammy said on Thursday.
Speaking in a statement to KUNA, Lammy noted that the UK-Kuwait relations are longstanding and military cooperation remains at the heart of the two sides’ ties. Lammy added that his visit comes at an important time for both Kuwait and the Gulf region.
He stressed the importance of meetings with His Highness the Prime Minister and senior Kuwaiti officials that discussed the ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and address the current challenges.
The visit is part of a regional tour which includes the UK’s partners in the Gulf, he said, noting that all these countries confirm their deep appreciation to British military and defensive experience offered in this period.
He stressed that the “Rapid Sentry” system has tangibly contributed to intercepting missiles and preventing human and material losses, noting that this partnership is not limited to times of prosperity but extends to the times of hardship, reflecting the strength of relations between the two countries.
Lammy elaborated that he met with members of the UK air force in Kuwait and noted a high level of integration between British and Kuwaiti forces. This shows “our” readiness to face these tough conditions, he said, affirming his country’s continued support for Kuwait and the enhancement of its security and stability.
He underlined the need to keep pace with technological developments, mainly the field of drones and modern defensive techniques that have emerged amid international conflicts, noting that the next period would witness further joint action to develop these capabilities.
Lammy expressed satisfaction with the ceasefire in the region and stressed the need to reach a permanent peace through negotiations. It is imperative to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said.
He emphasized that once a sustainable ceasefire is reached and the situation calms down, efforts will be made to renew and further deepen these partnerships in line with modern developments and innovations, in a way that enhances the security and stability of the region.
Lammy met with the British military mission, which has been playing training and advisory roles in Kuwait since 1992 and contributing to strengthening Kuwait’s military potential. Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Kuwait Qudsi Rasheed said Lammy’s visit reflects the UK’s strong interest in strengthening its partnership with Kuwait.
Speaking to KUNA in a similar statement, Rasheed said that “we” stood side by side during the difficult past weeks, as true friends do in times of both prosperity and hardship, in a natural extension of a well-established and strong relationship that has brought together Kuwait and the United Kingdom for more than 125 years.
He underlined the deep-rooted relationship between Kuwait and the UK, particularly in regional security and defense, expressing hope for continued cooperation to support efforts that ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and enhance the region’s stability following the ceasefire.
This is the second visit by Lammy to Kuwait; the first was last July when he served as his country’s foreign minister.
Lammy visited Oman last Wednesday as part of the British government’s efforts to show its solidarity with regional partners in the Gulf during the crisis with Iran. – Kuna
