
Kuwait, NATO ... 21 years of robust alliance
BRUSSELS, April 1: Kuwait was the first Gulf state to join the Istanbul Convention Initiative and has played a pioneering role in strengthening relations between NATO and the GCC, said Kuwait's Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the EU and NATO, Nawaf Al-Enezi.
In remarks to KUNA, Al-Enezi added that the relationship between Kuwait and NATO is characterized by close cooperation, both in traditional security and in confronting emerging security threats, particularly in cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and energy security. Kuwait has actively participated in NATO-led initiatives focusing on intelligence sharing, cyber defense strategies, and countering hybrid threats, said the ambassador. He stressed that Kuwait and NATO have agreed on a regional action plan for 2025, which includes more than 21 sessions and events, enhancing cooperation and capacity building initiatives. The ambassador noted that NATO and Kuwait cooperate on several training programs and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing interoperability, modernizing military capabilities, and addressing evolving security threats. He added that the NATO-Istanbul Initiative Center in Kuwait plays a pivotal role in organizing specialized workshops and courses on defense strategy, counterterrorism, women's empowerment, crisis management, and cybersecurity. In September 2024, Kuwait organized a high-level celebration at the UN General Assembly to mark the 20th anniversary of the initiative, under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The State of Kuwait celebrates today the 21st anniversary of its proclamation as a non-NATO strategic ally to the United States of America. Kuwait earned this designation, April 1, 2004, for its pivotal role in supporting security, stability in the region and the world. Washington's move bolstered further the close Kuwaiti- US relations and crowned historic ties dating back to 1951 when the first US consulate was opened in the Gulf country. Declaring Kuwait as a strategic ally of a non-member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to the United States followed a visit to the US by the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in September 2003. With this designation, Kuwait became entitled to acquire modern military technology, engage in a permanent partnership with the US with prerogatives and preference in trades and cooperation in the economic and scientific realms.
NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Southern Neighborhood, Javier Colomina, said on Tuesday that the NATO-Istanbul Initiative Center hosted in Kuwait provides a platform for political dialogue between NATO and its Gulf partners. The center allows for discussions on global security challenges, developing a shared understanding, and identifying opportunities for practical cooperation. Since its inauguration in January 2017, the center has become an important regional hub for cooperation on security issues between NATO and the region through political dialogue, education, training, and public diplomacy, said Colomina in a statement to KUNA. The center has conducted 101 events under political dialogue (events, conferences, and visits) and 56 military training courses. He pointed out that in 2024, the center addressed topics such as climate change, food security, maritime security, and more with participation from NATO and Kuwait, including NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Boris Ruge, and Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah, Director General of Kuwait's Coast Guard.
Colomina noted that one of the center's objectives is to target youth, as the center hosted the 'Young Ambassadors' program in February 2025 in cooperation with the British and Canadian embassies as well as the United Nations. He emphasized that the bilateral partnership between Kuwait and NATO includes political dialogue and practical cooperation, especially in cybersecurity and counterterrorism, as agreed in the 'Partnership Program' in 2024, which continues until 2027.
Colomina added that Kuwait participates in multilevel political consultations to exchange views on peace and security issues in the Gulf and the Middle East. Kuwaiti civilians and military personnel participate in courses and training programs provided by NATO in areas such as civil emergency planning, counterterrorism, defense reform, and nuclear nonproliferation. He mentioned that Kuwait was the first country to join the Istanbul Initiative in 2004, which reflects mutual interests between NATO and its Gulf partners. Moreover, he emphasised that this initiative has two main pillars: political dialogue and practical cooperation, and that currently, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE are involved. Colomina referred to the visit made by former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to Kuwait in 2019 to mark the 15th anniversary of the initiative, as well as the special celebration of the initiative's 20th anniversary organized under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. He explained that at the NATO Washington Summit in July 2024, alliance leaders approved an action plan to expand NATO's strategic and effective approach toward the Gulf, the Middle East, and Africa, focusing on strengthening the use of existing mechanisms such as the NATO-Istanbul Initiative Center. (KUNA)
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Embassy Advises Citizens to Stay Away from California Protests
KUWAIT CITY, June 9: The Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the United States on Monday urged all Kuwaiti citizens currently in the state of California, particularly in the city of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, to exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations and protests are taking place. In an official statement, the embassy emphasized the importance of following safety instructions and guidelines issued by local authorities. The embassy also encouraged citizens to contact the embassy or relevant consulates if necessary, using the following emergency numbers: Embassy in Washington, D.C.: +1 202-262-0758


Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Amir congratulates Saudi King, Crown Prince on Hajj success
KUWAIT CITY, June 9: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, commending the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the successful organization of the 1446 Hajj season. His Highness the Amir lauded the outstanding efforts of the Saudi leadership and government institutions, especially the Ministry of Interior and other relevant sectors, for their dedicated service to pilgrims from around the world. He praised the continuous development of the holy sites and the integration of advanced technologies and smart services, which significantly contributed to facilitating the performance of Hajj rites. His Highness the Amir also highlighted the distinguished roles of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of the Makkah Region, and Head of the Central Hajj Committee, and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef Al-Saud, Minister of Interior and President of the Supreme Hajj Committee, for their exemplary coordination and leadership. He prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the pilgrims' good deeds and to grant Saudi Arabia and its people continued progress and prosperity under its wise leadership. His Highness the Amir also sent a separate cable to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, congratulating him on the Kingdom's success in organizing this year's Hajj. He commended the Kingdom's use of modern technologies and comprehensive services to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah sent similar cables to both Saudi King Salman and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, praising the Kingdom's tireless efforts and organisation. He also extended appreciation to Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud for their vital roles in ensuring the comfort and safety of millions of pilgrims. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent congratulatory cables to both King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, lauding their leadership and the Kingdom's effective planning and execution during the pilgrimage. Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah also sent a cable to Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, applauding the efforts of Saudi security forces in ensuring a smooth, secure, and peaceful Hajj season. Meanwhile, Kuwait's Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Al-Wasmi congratulated Saudi Arabia on its successful management of this year's Hajj, praising the comprehensive care extended to pilgrims and the Kingdom's commitment to their safety, comfort, and smooth movement. In a statement to KUNA, Dr. Al- Wasmi also commended Kuwait's own Hajj mission, noting the successful execution of operations and thanking campaign organisers for their cooperation in serving Kuwaiti pilgrims. For his part, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of Kuwait's Hajj Mission, Bader Al-Mutairi, praised the outstanding organisation and high-quality services provided by Kuwaiti Hajj campaigns. Following an inspection visit to campaign headquarters in Mina, Al- Mutairi noted the dedication of mission teams working around the clock to ensure pilgrims' comfort. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by Saudi authorities, which greatly facilitated the mission's efforts. (KUNA)


Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Your Highness the Prime Minister, the thread and needle are in your hands. So what's next? Either work or leave
YOUR HIGHNESS the Prime Minister, Your Excellency, the Minister of Finance, and Your Excellency, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, if boosting the gross domestic product is truly a top priority for the state, then it must think outside the box, and avoid recycling outdated solutions. Introducing fees and taxes will not yield results during an economic downturn, especially amid limited commercial activity, the absence of a clear structural development plan in all sectors, and a halt in reforming laws that hinder investment, such as the usufruct law, which still contains several obstacles, along with other legislation needed to stimulate growth in industry, agriculture, and various vital services. Shuwaikh Industrial Area and other industrial zones are clear examples in this regard. I urge His Highness the Prime Minister, along with the Ministers of Finance and Commerce and Industry, to visit these areas and witness firsthand the scale and vibrancy of economic activities being driven entirely by individual efforts, with minimal government involvement, while the government remains occupied with issues that provoke public concern and contribute to social unrest. In Shuwaikh Industrial area, as in all similar areas, there are many activities that attract investors. These businesses operate almost entirely through the efforts of expatriate residents. Citizens are largely absent from these activities, benefiting only through rental income or by investing in licenses issued to them. As a result, a huge portion of profits is transferred abroad. Foreign workers, employees, and investors lack the motivation to remain in Kuwait long-term due to the absence of incentives found in neighboring countries, such as policies that support entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and ensure economic stability. In countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, investors are offered strong incentives, attracting many Kuwaiti companies to invest there. In contrast, Kuwait ties usufruct rights to the annual renewal of licenses, creating uncertainty for factory and facility owners and discouraging them from investing in development. Therefore, the Council of Ministers should focus on utilizing the labor force represented by stateless residents (Bedoun) and those whose citizenship has been revoked, rather than relying solely on decisions to revoke citizenship and suppress creativity. To be clear, I am not referring to those who lost their citizenship due to fraud or dual nationality. I hope the government encourages the Bedoun residents and those whose citizenship has been revoked to work in these areas, and makes them feel secure, so they can spend their money inside Kuwait. I suggest the government offer investors the option to purchase industrial and commercial plots during a specific grace period, similar to the system in Saudi Arabia, or will become a fair partner in the rental value. This approach would kill two birds with a stone. Also, Saudi Arabia provides tax incentives for industrial, agricultural, and renewable energy projects. It is true that in recent years, some parliamentary blocs have attempted to obstruct development under flimsy pretexts, but their real aim was to secure a 'share of the cake' or fuel disputes between MPs and ministers. Today, ministerial positions have largely stabilized, giving ministers significant potential to drive development and amend obstructive, outdated laws enacted during previous National Assembly terms. Indeed, several laws need reconsideration, and Kuwait must break free from the constraints imposed by the stagnation of innovative ideas that encourage investment and the growth of the national economy. We have repeatedly stated that undeveloped land holds little value unless facilities are established on it and profitable production is achieved. Only then does its value increase significantly. Moreover, trademarks gain importance as indicators of economic strength and stability. Unfortunately, in Kuwait, these matters are often treated as if they were mere market transactions, rather than issues of national significance. Your Highness the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers can no longer claim any excuse for failing to develop the economy. The Cabinet now holds 'the thread and the needle' in its hands and has full control over the process. The Council today combines both legislative and executive powers. Therefore, either work or leave!