Kuwait security tops UK priorities

21/09/2024

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 21: The British Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Belinda Lewis hosted the local media representatives at her residence Thursday during which she gave a brief account on developments surrounding the Kuwait-UK Joint Steering Group (JSG) and cultural exchange initiatives. The discussions emphasized the strengthening of diplomatic, defense, and economic ties between the two nations. The key highlights included the formation of new defense and political subgroups to tackle mutual security challenges and international development, along with significant humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan.

The event also celebrated cultural collaborations, marking 125 years of diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the UK. Her excellency disclosed on Sept 3 and 4, the Kuwait- UK Joint Steering Group held vital discussions, marked by the formation of two new subgroups – Defense and Political – the defense subgroup to tackle mutual security challenges and explore more efficient procurement mechanisms to streamline military collaboration. The political subgroup, co-chaired by Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs, HE Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, and Melinda Bohannon from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, concentrated on international development and humanitarian efforts.

Among the key issues addressed were crises in Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan, with a clear commitment to enhance cooperation in these regions. Furthering these discussions, Kuwait’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Jarrah, and the UK’s Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, met on Sept 4. They signed an MoU to bolster public sector training in Kuwait, with the UK pledging to recommend private training providers to support the Civil Service Commission’s programs, she said.

The British envoy, went on to say, in a significant humanitarian initiative, Minister Falconer and Waleed Al- Bahar, Director General of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, signed two MoUs committing $6 million to UNICEF projects aimed at restoring clean water supplies in Gaza and providing primary healthcare in Yemen. These initiatives, she added, are expected to benefit around 2.5 million people, reflecting the deep commitment both nations share toward addressing global humanitarian needs. She disclosed, beyond diplomatic and defense collaboration, the UK and Kuwait celebrated their cultural ties through Kuwait’s Culture Week in the UK. Minister Falconer and Sheikh Jarrah attended the headline performance, “Rhythms from Kuwait,” which showcased traditional Kuwaiti music and dance, promoting cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two nations.

In line with its humanitarian mission, the British Embassy in Kuwait, she said, is actively collaborating with local and international entities to support the Palestinian people. Building on earlier partnerships with Kuwait’s Red Crescent Society and the UK-based David Nott Foundation, which trained Kuwaiti doctors for deployment to Gaza, the embassy announced further efforts to boost Palestinian exports and support clean water and healthcare initiatives. The British Ambassador also highlighted the large number of Kuwaiti students in the UK, with cybersecurity and computer science being among the most popular courses. Currently, she said, around 10,000 Kuwaiti students are enrolled in UK universities, many funded by government scholarships, and that the embassy is working closely with the local visa application center to ensure that students receive their visas in time for their courses.

Negotiations for a UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), she said, are progressing, with both sides eager to resolve the few remaining issues. This agreement is of paramount importance to the UK, as the GCC represents a significant market for British businesses and professionals. She stressed, by the end of 2024, a total of 32 UK military teams will have visited Kuwait to conduct training exercises, sharing expertise in fields such as bomb disposal, diving, and battlefield first aid. Two major joint military exercises are planned – the first in November 2024 and the second in February 2025 – as part of ongoing efforts to enhance readiness for potential security threats. The year 2024 marks 125 years of official diplomatic relations between Kuwait and the UK.

Following the success of Kuwait Culture Week in the UK, the British Embassy in Kuwait is gearing up for British Culture Week, which will kick off on Nov 9. The highlight of this cultural exchange will be performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC).

Her excellency, disclosed, “Alongside the orchestra, there will be exhibitions featuring British fashion designers, classic cars, and two murals to be displayed at the Mubarakiya and Al Shaheed Park, celebrating this milestone in the diplomatic history of both nations.

“As both nations continue to deepen their strategic partnership across various sectors, the shared vision of peace, cultural exchange, and development remains central to the enduring relationship between Kuwait and the UK.” Following the success of Kuwait Culture Week in the UK, the embassy is looking forward to the British Culture Week in Kuwait, beginning on Nov 9. The top feature of this Culture Week will be performances by the UK’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC). We hope members of the public will enjoy what’s on offer.

The British Embassy, she said, is also organizing several other events, including exhibitions showcasing British fashion designers and classic cars. Two British artists are working on murals to celebrate the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations -- one mural will be in collaboration between a British and Kuwaiti artist, located in the Gold Souk at Mubarakiya; while the other will be a beautiful addition to the public art on display at Al Shaheed Park. She concluded by saying, “We hope these murals will provide lasting reminders of this special anniversary year.”

By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes A
rab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff