Brussels: High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, praised Kuwait's humanitarian and diplomatic role in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Kallas, in an interview on Monday after participating in the joint GCC-EU ministerial meeting, described Kuwait as a credible and reliable partner on the international stage. She highlighted Kuwait's firm commitment to international law, shaped by its experience with the 1990 invasion, and emphasized that the EU views Kuwait as a strong ally in supporting international legitimacy and the sovereignty of states.
Kallas pointed out that EU-Kuwait dialogue encompasses a wide range of issues, including regional security, clean energy, technology, and education. Both sides aim to boost cooperation in innovation, research, and renewable energy. On the EU-GCC free trade agreement, she mentioned that there is a real opportunity to conclude the deal, given global economic shifts and trade tensions. She noted that the EU has recently signed similar agreements with economic blocs such as Mercosur, Indonesia, and India, with a GCC deal promising mutual economic benefits.
Regarding visas for Kuwaiti citizens, Kallas explained that the EU is preparing a comprehensive visa strategy to be released by the end of the year. Kuwait currently benefits from the "cascade system," which allows multiple-entry visas for five years, and the visa liberalization plan remains under consideration.
Kallas also commended Kuwait's significant contributions to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, stressing the EU's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Kuwait and GCC states to promote peace and stability in the region. She remarked on the EU's collaborative efforts with Arab and international partners to support the implementation of the recently announced US peace plan for Gaza, describing it as the best chance for a lasting ceasefire and a two-state solution.