Kuwait city: UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, David Lammy, has highlighted the United Kingdom's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Kuwait in sectors such as trade, investment, business, security, and defense. This comes against the backdrop of a challenging global security environment, particularly in the Middle East.
According to Kuwait News Agency, during an exclusive statement at the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute in Kuwait, Lammy underscored the historic and robust relationship between the UK and Kuwait. He noted that the two nations share a "deep close friendship" that spans over a century, built on strong people-to-people and cultural ties, as well as a solid defense and security partnership dating back to 1899.
Lammy emphasized the significance of educational and cultural links, pointing out that the presence of 10,000 Kuwaiti students in UK universities forms a strong foundation for the future of bilateral relations. His visit is part of the strategic dialogue framework between the two countries, aiming to outline the next phase of cooperation. He highlighted the UK's strong economic position in Europe and Kuwait's significant role in the Gulf and Middle East, enabling both nations to achieve substantial progress together.
The visit comes amid serious geopolitical challenges and humanitarian issues worldwide. Lammy stressed the commitment of both nations to work together to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza and emphasized their joint efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and continuing collaboration on humanitarian issues. UK-Kuwait cooperation also extends to addressing global crises in countries like Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, where diseases and humanitarian emergencies are prevalent.
Lammy expressed satisfaction with the signing of memoranda of understanding that unify resources and development visions for the benefit of both countries and those suffering worldwide. He further noted the UK's new industrial strategy that outlines government investment priorities, identifying promising cooperation opportunities with Kuwait in sectors such as defense, space, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, life sciences, and sustainable and renewable energy.
The UK official's visit, his first official trip to Kuwait, aimed to enhance bilateral relations and explore expanded cooperation opportunities. Earlier in the day, Lammy met with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Seif Palace to discuss prospects for boosting bilateral ties.
The second round of the UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue concluded with the signing of three key agreements, representing a continuation of the longstanding partnership and joint efforts between the two nations, reflecting shared ambitions and achieving mutual interests.