Latest news with #AnneKoistinen
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
EU-Kuwait ties ‘outstanding'
KUWAIT: The Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, praised Kuwait's strong relationship with the European Union, describing the ties as 'outstanding.' On the sidelines of the Europe Day celebration held on Tuesday, Marafi emphasized the depth of cooperation in a range of sectors, highlighting recent milestones in Gulf-EU cooperation, notably the first GCC-EU summit in Brussels last October and Kuwait's upcoming hosting of the 29th ministerial meeting between the two blocs this October. He expressed optimism for a bilateral economic agreement, particularly a free trade deal, described as a gateway to 'new horizons' in economic and strategic cooperation. For her part, the EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen, reflected on Europe's transformation since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, saying 'After being the battleground for two world wars, we learned that cooperation and interconnected societies are the only path to lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.' EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen The EU ambassador underscored the EU's commitment to promoting a rules-based global order amid growing geopolitical tensions, condemning the resurgence of violence in Gaza, calling for a return to the ceasefire and urging humanitarian access. On Ukraine, she reaffirmed the EU's goal of securing a 'comprehensive, just and lasting peace' in accordance with the UN Charter, and praised Kuwait's principled support for Ukraine's sovereignty. The ambassador also noted Kuwait's pivotal role as GCC President in advancing strategic EU-GCC ties, announcing that the 9th EU-GCC Business Forum will also be held in Kuwait later this year. The ambassador stated that the EU's move to simplify Schengen visa procedures for Kuwaitis in 2023, saying 'Achieving visa-free travel for Kuwaiti citizens remains one of my key goals.' 'Our cooperation spans vital areas like trade, infrastructure, energy, security, humanitarian aid and cultural exchange,' she said, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties, celebrating Kuwait's designation as Arab Capital of Culture. The ambassador called to further deepen the longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the European Union, as both sides prepare to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Arab Times
13-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
EU values Kuwait as a close, reliable friend
KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kuwait Anne Koistinen said that 'in these difficult times around the world, the EU values Kuwait as a close and reliable friend. Our message to the Kuwaiti leadership and government is very clear: you can count on the EU.' She affirmed 'this year is very important for our relations, as Kuwait will host the next EU-GCC ministerial meeting later this year.' Koistinen made the statement during the Ramadan Ghabqa held at her home recently. She stated 'I take this opportunity to congratulate Kuwait on assuming the rotating presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025. The EU is keen on working with Kuwait to strengthen relations with the GCC during its rotating presidency.' She pointed out that the EU and Kuwait enjoy a strong friendship based on shared interests, including Kuwait's vocal support for multilateralism and the principles of good international cooperation. She added that the EU highly appreciates Kuwait's prudent and moderate positions, and believes there is much potential. 'The positive impact of our relations is also evident, as there is much we can do together at the bilateral, regional and international levels,' she stressed. She asserted that the EU and Kuwait are strong humanitarian actors supporting vulnerable communities around the world, strengthening the United Nations (UN) system and multilateral organizations, and cooperating with them. She confirmed that 'Kuwait is a key partner for the EU in the humanitarian and development fields.'She said Director General of the European Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Maciej Popowski visited Kuwait last month, during which he agreed with Kuwaiti officials to continue working together on humanitarian crises and strengthening multilateralism. She said the EU is Kuwait's second largest trading partner, 'reflecting our strong economic ties.' She also emphasized that 'Gaza and Ukraine continue to remind all of us about the international community's need for an effective multilateral system based on universal rules and values that are respected by everyone. Never has respect for the UN Charter, the rules-based international order, and international law been more at stake than now.'
Arab Times
13-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Facilitating Schengen visas for Kuwaitis a top priority: EU ambassador
KUWAIT CITY, March 13: The European Union Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen, highlighted that one of her key priorities for the coming period is facilitating Schengen visas for Kuwaitis. She emphasized that "the EU values Kuwait as a trusted friend," adding, "Our message to the Kuwaiti leadership and government is very clear: you can count on the European Union." Speaking while hosting a group of local media representatives at her residence, Koistinen noted, "This year is very important for our relations, as Kuwait will host the next EU-GCC ministerial meeting later this year. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kuwait on assuming the rotating presidency of the GCC for 2025." She further stated, "The European Union is keen to work with Kuwait to strengthen relations between Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council during Kuwait's rotating presidency." The Ambassador went on to say, "The European Union and Kuwait enjoy a strong friendship based on shared interests, including Kuwait's vocal support for multilateralism and the principles of good international cooperation. The European Union greatly appreciates Kuwait's prudent and moderate positions. I believe there is much positive potential for our relations, and there is much we can do together at the bilateral, regional, and international levels." Koistinen also noted that Kuwait is a key partner of the European Union in the humanitarian and development fields. She pointed out that the EU is Kuwait's second-largest trading partner, reflecting the strong economic ties between them. She mentioned that dialogues and initiatives are ongoing to enhance trade and investment opportunities, with the next annual business forum between the EU and GCC countries set to be held in Kuwait by the end of this year. Additionally, Koistinen expressed her happiness that Kuwait will become the capital of Arab culture and media in 2025. She concluded by explaining that Europe and Kuwait enjoy strong and enduring cultural ties across many fields, including architecture, education, food, music, languages, cinema, literature, and theater.
