KUWAIT CITY, Dec 2: The United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to regional maritime security during a recent visit by Commodore Ben Aldous, Commander of the UK Maritime Forces Component Command (COMUKMCC) and Deputy Commander of the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain.

During his visit, Commodore Aldous held high-level discussions with senior Kuwaiti officials to enhance cooperation on maritime security and ongoing Combined Maritime Forces activities in the region. He met with Major General Saif Al-Hamlan, Commander of the Kuwait Naval Force, and Colonel Khaled Bu Rabea, Assistant Director General for Operations at the Kuwait Coast Guard, who represented the Director General of KCG.

The meetings focused on strengthening operational collaboration, sharing expertise, and supporting joint efforts to ensure safe and secure waters across the Gulf. The visit underscores the strong defence partnership between the UK and Kuwait and their shared commitment to regional stability.

Commodore Aldous also toured advanced maritime facilities operated by the Kuwait Coast Guard, highlighting the importance of technological innovation in safeguarding maritime domains.

Defence Attache, Neil Mariotte stated: “I was grateful to the Kuwait Navy and Coast Guard for their warm welcome, generous hospitality and wholehearted support to the COM UKMCC visit last week. The discussions offered clear insight into the depth of our maritime relationship and the strong cooperation that continues to bind our forces. Their teams demonstrated impressive professionalism and discipline throughout. The UK deeply appreciates Kuwait’s enduring contribution to the Combined Maritime Forces, l and I remain committed to enhancing our work together in safeguarding regional maritime security”.

Commodore Ben Aldous, Commander of the UK Maritime Forces Component Command (COMUKMCC) stated: “The visit to the Kuwait Navy and Coast Guard has been a genuine pleasure. We were particularly impressed by their commitment to innovation and the professionalism and discipline of their sailors and officers. The UK has a long history of close maritime cooperation with Kuwait, and it is clear we can continue to learn from their approach—especially in how they integrate people, capability and partnerships into daily operations. We also recognise their valuable support to the Combined Maritime Forces, and we look forward to enhancing our collaboration in maintaining maritime security.”