UK Minister for Middle East makes first visit to Kuwait to boost ties
During his visit, Hamish Falconer MP engaged with senior Kuwaiti officials to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East and explore collaborative solutions between the UK and Kuwait.
• Minister Hamish Falconer emphasized the United Kingdom’s commitment to economic growth and plans to strengthen UK-Kuwait trade, highlighting the 2023 Sovereign Investment Partnership and progress on a UK-GCC free trade agreement.
Hamish Falconer MP, the UK Minister for the Middle East, visited Kuwait for the first time since assuming office in July. During his visit, he met with senior Kuwaiti officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. They discussed the concerning situation in the Middle East and explored ways the UK and Kuwait, as close partners, could collaborate to address it.
The two also touched on various bilateral priorities, with minister Falconer highlighting last month’s agreement for UK’s SRT Marine Systems to assist in developing the Kuwait coastguard’s capabilities, while commending the strength of the broader defense and security relationship.
The minister’s other engagements included a meeting with Ghanem Al-Ghenaiman, the Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, and a roundtable with representatives of British businesses with significant operations in Kuwait.
Stressing the UK government’s commitment to economic growth, he discussed plans to further strengthen UK-Kuwait trade and investment ties, highlighting the Sovereign Investment Partnership signed in August 2023 and the positive progress of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The UK-GCC trade totaled £57 billion in 2023.
Minister Falconer concluded his visit by attending the first King’s Birthday Party held in Kuwait. While the theme focused on horticulture and heritage crafts—mutual interests of His Majesty the King and His Highness the His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah —he used his speech to emphasize the UK’s strong partnership with Kuwait, which spans various areas including trade, investment, defense, security, culture, and education.
Reflecting on his visit, minister Falconer said, “For over a century and a quarter, the UK and Kuwait have shared strong diplomatic relations. This landmark anniversary year has given us the opportunity to reflect on our shared history while also strengthening our current and future collaboration.
De-escalating Middle East tensions
“With a focus on ensuring regional stability, the UK is committed to working alongside Kuwait to de-escalate tensions across the Middle East and secure unimpeded aid access to Gaza.”
The minister is visiting Kuwait as part of a wider Gulf tour and will also visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the importance of a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as de-escalation in the region.
