‘Defense partnership with Kuwait growing’

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 31: Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye to Kuwait Tuba Nur Sönmez said the relationship between the two countries is witnessing continuous development, indicating that the defense and security cooperation is now one of the vital elements of the relationship. Speaking at the event that the Turkish Embassy organized Monday to celebrate the 104th Turkish Victory Day, Sönmez affirmed that relations between the two countries continue to strengthen under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, based on mutual trust, interests and respect.

She stressed that the security of Kuwait and that of Turkiye are intertwined, and that both sides have started to reap the fruits of the government cooperation agreement in the field of defense procurement. She explained that the government cooperation agreement in defense procurement, which was concluded during the visit of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled to Turkiye two years ago, laid an important foundation for developing such cooperation. She added that Kuwait’s acquisition of the Bayraktar TB2 drones is an example of defense cooperation, anticipating further development in defense industries, military dialogue, training, exercises and security cooperation.

She emphasized that regional and international challenges underscore the importance of strengthening security and stability among friendly nations. She affirmed that Turkiye is committed to sharing its defense capabilities and expertise with its partners, based on the conviction that security is no longer solely military, but also encompasses food, energy and water. She asserted that military power is not an end in itself, but rather a tool to maintain peace and stability. She also confirmed the development of the Turkish Armed Forces and defense industries due to modernization and investment in advanced technologies, particularly unmanned aerial systems. She then expressed her condolences to the families of the military and civilian personnel who lost their lives in Kuwait as a result of the Iranian attacks, while praising the sacrifice of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces. She stated that her mission in Kuwait is nearing its end, after more than four years.

She revealed that the new Turkish ambassador will arrive in Kuwait on Sept 15, expressing her pride in the progress achieved in the Kuwaiti-Turkish relations. She recalled the full support of Kuwait during the devastating earthquake in Turkiye, stressing that the assistance provided by the Kuwaiti community will not be forgotten. She praised the Kuwaiti society, the hospitality and generosity she experienced during her years of service here, and the vibrant and active Kuwaiti media.

Moreover, the guest of honor, Commander of Kuwaiti Air Force Major General Fahad Fallah Fahiman, joined Ambassador Sonmez in cutting the cake.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff