UK and Kuwait continue celebrations to mark 125 years of partnership

Press release

UK and Kuwait continue celebrations to mark 125 years of partnership

125 years of UK-Kuwait diplomatic relations are being marked by a visit from Minister for the Middle East in his first visit to Kuwait since taking office.

• As the UK and Kuwait continue celebrations to mark 125 years of partnership, the Minister for the Middle East visited for key meetings with counterparts.
• His visit focused on defence, security and investment co-operation and reaffirms UK commitment to supporting de-escalation across the Middle East.
• Discussions also centred on the urgent humanitarian situation in both Gaza and Lebanon and efforts to uphold regional stability.

125 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Kuwait are being marked by a visit from UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, in his first visit to Kuwait since taking office in July.

Reiterating the UK's call for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon, he discussed the deeply concerning situation in the Middle East and ways in which the UK and Kuwait, as close friends and partners, could work together to address this.

The Minister met senior Kuwaiti officials, including the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, alongside who he had co-chaired the 21st Kuwait-UK Joint Steering Group in London on 4 September; and the Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Ghanem Al-Ghenaiman.

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 provided us with the opportunity to reflect on our shared history, whilst also strengthening current and future collaboration.

With a focus on ensuring regional stability, the UK is committed to working alongside Kuwait on de-escalating tensions across the Middle East and securing unimpeded aid access into Gaza.

Addressing a range of bilateral priorities, the Minister welcomed last month's deal for the UK's SRT Marine Systems to support the development of the Kuwait Coastguard's capabilities, noting the defence and security co-operations between the two nations.

Turning to the UK government's commitment to growth, the Minister also discussed plans to continue strengthening substantial trade and investment ties, highlighting the Sovereign Investment Partnership signed in August 2023 and positive progress of negotiations on a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council. In 2023, the GCC was equivalent to the UK's 9th largest trading partner - with total trade worth £57 billion.

The Minister rounded off his visit by attending the first King's Birthday Party to take place in Kuwait. While the theme was horticulture and heritage crafts - mutual interests of His Majesty the King and His Highness the Amir - Minister Falconer used his speech to stress the huge importance the UK places on its partnership with Kuwait, which spans a broad range of areas including trade and investment, defence and security, and culture and education.

The Minister is visiting Kuwait as part of a wider Gulf tour. He will also visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the importance of a ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon and de-escalation in the region.

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Published 12 November 2024