UK, Kuwait vow to upgrade defense ties in brass meet

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 11: Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren OBE, UK Defence Senior Adviser to the Middle East and North Africa (DSAME), visited Kuwait for a series of high-level engagements focused on strengthening the longstanding defence and security partnership between the United Kingdom and the State of Kuwait. During his visit, Vice Admiral Ahlgren met with H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Coast Guard. Vice Admiral Ahlgren also met senior representatives of the Kuwait Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence, including H.E. Khaled Saad Al-Shuriaan, Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces; H.E. Sheikh Dr Abdullah Mishaal Mubarak Al Sabah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence; Dr Wael Nasser Al Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services; Anoud Al-Turiman, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs; and H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Al-Sabah, Chief of the Armament and Procurement Authority. Discussions focused on the current regional security situation, opportunities for capability enhancement, and ways to further strengthen the Government-to-Government defence relationship between the United Kingdom and Kuwait. The visit builds on Vice Admiral Ahlgren’s sustained engagement with Kuwait throughout 2026.

He previously visited in March, alongside UK counter-drone experts, for discussions on regional security, UK support to Kuwait and opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, before returning for further engagements in May. His latest visit marks his third visit to Kuwait this year and sixth over the past two years, reflecting the depth of the UK-Kuwait defence relationship and the importance both countries place on regular senior-level dialogue. The engagements provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and the shared commitment of both countries to regional security and stability. Discussions also explored how the United Kingdom and Kuwait can continue to deepen cooperation, enhance capabilities and respond together to evolving regional security challenges

Quotes:
H.E. Qudsi Rasheed, British envoy “The UK and Kuwait share a deep and enduring partnership, built on friendship, trust and a shared commitment to security and stability. Our defence relationship remains a cornerstone of that partnership, and the engagement we have seen throughout 2026 demonstrates its strength and breadth. Vice Admiral Ahlgren’s visit reflects our continued commitment to working closely with Kuwait to address shared challenges and further deepen our cooperation.”

Captain Neil Marriott “2026 has been a particularly active year for UK-Kuwait defence cooperation, from our Armed Forces training side by side during Exercise Desert Warrior to close engagement on emerging security challenges and capability development. These activities are underpinned by strong relationships between our Armed Forces, and we look forward to building on this momentum through further training, exchanges and practical cooperation.”

Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren OBE “It is a privilege to return to Kuwait to meet again with our Kuwaiti partners. Our discussions have reinforced the strength of the UK-Kuwait defence relationship and our shared commitment to regional security and stability. As the security environment continues to evolve, the UK remains committed to standing alongside Kuwait, sharing expertise, enhancing capabilities and identifying new opportunities to deepen our Government-to-Government defence partnership.”