UK, Kuwait deepen commercial partnership with high-level talks on energy, finance and trade
Both sides reaffirm their commitment to serving the common interests of Kuwait and the United Kingdom by enhancing collaboration across key economic sectors
As Lord Ian McNicol, the UK Trade Envoy to Kuwait, Jordan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, concludes his visit to Kuwait, accompanied by the newly appointed British Ambassador, H.E. Qudsi Rashid, a series of high-level and fruitful meetings were held with several senior Kuwaiti officials, reflecting the depth of the partnership and cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, Lord McNicol met with His Excellency Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Minister of Finance, and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment; His Excellency Mr. Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel, Minister of Commerce and Industry; and His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health.
Regarding investment institutions and the private sector, Lord McNicol held meetings with His Excellency Sheikh Saud Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA); Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait Group; Marwan Boodai, Chairman of Jazeera Airways; Mr. Prathan Basubathy, CEO; and Captain Ayman Al-Shammari, Chief Operating Officer.
These meetings addressed areas of mutual interest and opportunities for cooperation and growth in several vital sectors, reflecting a shared ambition to strengthen economic and trade relations and build upon a solid foundation of partnership and mutual understanding.
According to an official Kuwaiti statement, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to serving the common interests of Kuwait and the United Kingdom by enhancing collaboration across key economic sectors.
Dr. Al-Mukhaizeem underscored the importance of the discussions, noting that they included an exchange of views on several economic and investment issues of mutual interest and provided an opportunity to explore how both countries could support each other’s national priorities.
The meetings also reviewed the national development strategies of both countries, with discussions centering on ways to cooperate in implementation, particularly in areas where expertise and resources could be jointly utilized.
The exchange was described as an important step toward aligning economic planning efforts and reinforcing long-term cooperation on shared development goals.
Lord McNicol’s visit highlighted several sectors as promising areas for future partnership, including sustainable energy, information technology, transportation and investment initiatives. These sectors were identified as priorities for expanding commercial ties between Kuwaiti and British companies and opening new avenues for joint projects.
The visit formed part of broader UK efforts to deepen trade and investment relations with Gulf countries, reflecting the long-standing diplomatic and economic partnership between the two sides. In this context, the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Kuwait, continue negotiations on a free trade agreement aimed at elevating economic relations to new levels.
GCC officials have described the proposed agreement as a major strategic opportunity to expand market access, enhance investment cooperation and create new pathways for growth and innovation.
Updates from the negotiations indicate that both sides are working to bridge remaining differences, with expectations that the agreement, once finalized, will significantly strengthen trade and economic engagement in sectors such as technology, clean energy and digital services, and lay the foundation for deeper economic integration and shared prosperity.
