KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kuwait Anne Koistinen said that “in these difficult times around the world, the EU values Kuwait as a close and reliable friend. Our message to the Kuwaiti leadership and government is very clear: you can count on the EU.” She affirmed “this year is very important for our relations, as Kuwait will host the next EU-GCC ministerial meeting later this year.” Koistinen made the statement during the Ramadan Ghabqa held at her home recently. She stated “I take this opportunity to congratulate Kuwait on assuming the rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025. The EU is keen on working with Kuwait to strengthen relations with the GCC during its rotating presidency.” She pointed out that the EU and Kuwait enjoy a strong friendship based on shared interests, including Kuwait’s vocal support for multilateralism and the principles of good international cooperation. She added that the EU highly appreciates Kuwait’s prudent and moderate positions, and believes there is much potential.

“The positive impact of our relations is also evident, as there is much we can do together at the bilateral, regional and international levels,” she stressed. She asserted that the EU and Kuwait are strong humanitarian actors supporting vulnerable communities around the world, strengthening the United Nations (UN) system and multilateral organizations, and cooperating with them. She confirmed that “Kuwait is a key partner for the EU in the humanitarian and development fields.”She said Director General of the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Maciej Popowski visited Kuwait last month, during which he agreed with Kuwaiti officials to continue working together on humanitarian crises and strengthening multilateralism. She said the EU is Kuwait’s second largest trading partner, “reflecting our strong economic ties.” She also emphasized that “Gaza and Ukraine continue to remind all of us about the international community’s need for an effective multilateral system based on universal rules and values that are respected by everyone. Never has respect for the UN Charter, the rules-based international order, and international law been more at stake than now.”

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff