The UK’s first female ambassador to Kuwait leaves a lasting legacy

29/06/2025

As the first female British Ambassador to Kuwait, Her Excellency Belinda Lewis has not only made history, but also forged one of the most dynamic chapters in the UKKuwait relationship. As her tenure comes to an end, she departs with admiration, gratitude, and a remarkable record of diplomacy, progress, and partnership. Ambassador Lewis has worked tirelessly to deepen ties between the two countries, launching the UKKuwait Strategic Dialogue, a highlevel framework that has enhanced political, economic, and security cooperation.

She played an instrumental role in welcoming His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the UK on three signifi- cant visits, including a formal meeting with His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and again in Scotland earlier this year to mark the conclusion of the 125th anniversary of UK-Kuwait diplomatic relations.

Her Excellency hosted His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh during a special visit to Kuwait in December, and welcomed four UK Cabinet Ministers and numerous senior officials, ensuring continued momentum in bilateral engagement. She actively contributed to four Joint Steering Groups focusing on mutual interests and strategic priorities. During her time in Kuwait, several landmark agreements were reached, from government-to- government defence procurement mechanisms, to multiple MoUs, to the historic 2023 Sovereign Investment Partnership, deepening investment cooperation between the two nations. Trade flourished under her stewardship, with bilateral commerce reaching an impressive £6.1 billion per year.

Ambassador Lewis also championed educational and cultural exchange. With over 10,000 Kuwaiti students now pursuing degrees in British universities, the people-to-people links between the UK and Kuwait are stronger than ever. In the field of defence and security, joint exercises including a breathtaking performance by the Red Arrows reflected growing military cooperation. She also oversaw the UK and Kuwait’s first international humanitarian partnerships, reflecting shared values and a global outlook.

Belinda Lewis leaves behind more than achievements. She leaves behind trust, friendship, and inspiration. As the first woman to serve as Britain’s Ambassador to Kuwait, she has paved the way for future generations while building a modern, resilient, and enduring partnership between our two nations. Thank you, Your Excellency, and farewell.

By Nasser Al-Hajeri