UK names Qudsi Rasheed as new envoy to Kuwait
KUWAIT: The United Kingdom has appointed Qudsi Rasheed as its new Ambassador to Kuwait, effective September 2025. He will succeed Belinda Lewis, who will be taking up another diplomatic post after more than four years of service in Kuwait.
Rasheed brings extensive experience in Middle East diplomacy to the role. His previous assignments include Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Cairo, Deputy Director of Multilateral Policy at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Head of the UK Syria Office in Beirut. He will be joined in Kuwait by his wife, Leen, who is expecting their first child this summer.
In a statement, Rasheed expressed his enthusiasm for the posting. 'I am deeply honored to be appointed as the new British Ambassador to Kuwait. Taking on this role is a tremendous privilege, and I am looking forward to arriving in Kuwait in September. Kuwait and the UK share a rich history, marked by deep cooperation in diplomacy, defense and security, trade and investment, and education and culture.'
He added Kuwait remains a key partner for the UK in the region and pledged to continue strengthening bilateral ties: 'I look forward to further deepening this special relationship, continuing and building on the work of Ambassador Lewis and her team.'
Outgoing ambassador Lewis reflected on her tenure, expressing gratitude to Kuwait's leadership and people: 'As I come towards the end of my posting here, I would like to thank Kuwait's leadership, government and people for more than four years of support, partnership and collaboration in many different fields. The relationship between Kuwait and the UK is unique, underpinned by a rich shared history and strong people-to-people links.' She added that Kuwait would always hold a special place in her heart and wished Rasheed every success in his new role.
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