Latest news with #UK-Kuwait
Kuwait Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Lammy's visit underscores deep friendship
KUWAIT: The United Kingdom's commitment to its longstanding friendship with Kuwait was reaffirmed this week during an official visit by the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, who was honored to meet with senior Kuwaiti leadership for the 2025 UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue. The UK Foreign Secretary was received by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al - Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Discussions reflected the strength of the historic relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom that spans over 250 years and touched on a wide range of shared interests including regional affairs, defense cooperation, trade and investment and international development partnerships. As part of the visit, two MoUs were signed between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, on providing joint emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflicts in Somalia and Sudan. Both parties will provide a total contribution of five million dollars to support ICRC's humanitarian work in Somalia and a total of 10 million dollars to support UNICEF's work in sustaining vital primary healthcare, nutrition and child protection services in Sudan. These agreements represent an important step in continuing to build the UK-Kuwait international development partnership following the success of the first joint project in September 2024, which provided aid to Gaza and Yemen. The visit also included a meeting with Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noura Al-Fassam, where discussions focused on bilateral trade now totaling £6.1 billion per year & investment, advancements on UK-GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations and UK's interest in Kuwait's Vision 2035. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary visited the Commercial Bank of Kuwait to meet with Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al-Sabah and one of several British Kuwaiti joint venture businesses contributing to Kuwait's economic development - Kuwait British Renewables. The meeting underlined the UK's ongoing commitment to supporting private sector collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation between the two countries. A special meeting was also held with young Kuwaiti diplomats and professionals at Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The Foreign Secretary commended their passion, talent and global outlook, and welcomed their role in shaping the future of Kuwait-UK relations. The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs, Rt Hon David Lammy MP, commented on the bilateral relationship stating: 'Kuwait and the United Kingdom have an enduring, close, deep friendship bounded by people-to-people and strong cultural links, a strong defense and security partnership, we've been trading for over 250 years and our first bilateral relations go back to 1899 of course supplemented by the relationship between our two royal families. I am in Kuwait to conduct a strategic dialogue, an important strategic dialogue that sets up the next era of our relations. There's more we can do on trade, and business, and investment, there's more that we can do on security and defense at this challenging time for global security and peace particularly here in the Middle East.' Reflecting on the visit, British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, stated: 'This visit marks another chapter in over 125 years of close friendship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom. It comes at a time of deepening cooperation across numerous sectors including trade, humanitarian development and cultural exchange. The British Embassy in Kuwait looks forward to building on the momentum of this important visit and continuing to work in partnership with Kuwaiti institutions for the benefit of both our peoples.' Head of ICRC GCC Regional Delegation, Mamadou Sow stated: 'This joint commitment by the Kuwait Fund and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office sends a strong signal of solidarity with the people of Somalia. With their support, we're able to deliver essential health and water services in areas where needs are urgent and often invisible. It's a testament to the power of principled humanitarian action and to the leadership of Kuwait and the UK in placing humanity at the heart of international cooperation.' UNICEF Gulf Area Office Representative, Eltayeb Adam noted: 'This generous joint contribution from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the Kuwait Fund comes at a critical time for children in Sudan. It is more than financial support; it is a lifeline. This partnership shows what's possible when long-standing partners unite with a shared purpose: to protect children's rights, restore essential services, and bring hope to those affected by crisis. UNICEF deeply values this growing humanitarian collaboration, which is helping build a more resilient future for Sudan's most vulnerable children.'
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Rt Hon David Lammy MP's VISIT TO KUWAIT UNDERSCORES DEEP FRIENDSHIP AND FUTURE PARTNERSHIP
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: The United Kingdom's commitment to its longstanding friendship with the State of Kuwait was reaffirmed this week during an official visit by the UK S ecretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, who was honoured to meet with senior Kuwaiti leadership for the 2025 UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue. The UK Foreign Secretary was received by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al - Khaled Al - Hamad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al - Ahmad Al - Sabah and Foreign Minister HE Abdullah Ali Al -Yahya. Discussions reflected the strength of the historic relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom that spans over 250 years and touched on a wide range of shared interests including regional affairs, defence cooperation, , trade and investment, and international development partnerships. As part of the visit, two MoUs were signed between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, on providing joint emergency humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflicts in Somalia and Sudan. Both parties will provide a total contribution of five million dollars to support ICRC's humanitarian work in Somalia and a total of 10 million dollars to support UNICEF's work in sustaining vital primary healthcare, nutrition and child protection services in Sudan. These agreements represent an important step in continuing to build the UK-Kuwait international development partnership following the success of the first joint project in September 2024, which provided aid to Gaza and Yemen. The visit also included a meeting with H.E. the Minister of Finance & Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noora Al - Fassam, where discussions focused on bilateral trade now totalling £6.1 billion per year & investment, advancements on UK – GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations and UK's interest in Kuwait's Vision 2035. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary visited the Commercial Bank of Kuwait to meet with Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Jaber Al-Sabah and one of several British Kuwaiti joint venture businesses contributing to Kuwait's economic development - Kuwait British Renewables. The meeting underlined the UK's ongoing commitment to supporting private sector collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation between the two countries. A special meeting was also held with young Kuwaiti diplomats and professionals at Saud Al Nasser Al Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute hosted by Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al -Ahmad Al- Sabah. The Foreign Secretary commended their passion, talent and global outlook, and welcomed their role in shaping the future of Kuwait-UK relations The UK S ecretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development affairs - Rt Hon David Lammy MP, commented on the bilateral relationship stating: 'Kuwait and the United Kingdom have an enduring, close, deep friendship bounded by people-to-people and strong cultural links, a strong defence and security partnership, we've been trading for over 250 years and out first bilateral relations go back to 1899 of course supplemented by the relationship between our two royal families. I am in Kuwait to conduct a strategic dialogue, an important strategic dialogue that sets up the next era of our relations. There's more we can do on trade, and business, and investment, there's more that we can do on security and defence at this challenging time for global security and peace particularly here in the Middle East.' Reflecting on the visit, British Ambassador Belinda Lewis, stated: 'This visit marks another chapter in over 125 years of close friendship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom. It comes at a time of deepening cooperation across numerous sectors including trade, humanitarian development and cultural exchange. The British Embassy in Kuwait looks forward to building on the momentum of this important visit and continuing to work in partnership with Kuwaiti institutions for the benefit of both our peoples.' Head of ICRC GCC Regional Delegation, Mamadou Sow stated: 'This joint commitment by the Kuwait Fund and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office sends a strong signal of solidarity with the people of Somalia. With their support, we're able to deliver essential health and water services in areas where needs are urgent and often invisible. It's a testament to the power of principled humanitarian action and to the leadership of Kuwait and the UK in placing humanity at the heart of international cooperation.' UNICEF Gulf Area Office Representative, Eltayeb Adam noted: 'This generous joint contribution from the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the Kuwait Fund comes at a critical time for children in Sudan. It is more than financial support; it is a lifeline. This partnership shows what's possible when long-standing partners unite with a shared purpose: to protect children's rights, restore essential services, and bring hope to those affected by crisis. UNICEF deeply values this growing humanitarian collaboration, which is helping build a more resilient future for Sudan's most vulnerable children.'
Arab Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
The UK's first female ambassador to Kuwait leaves a lasting legacy
As the first female British Ambassador to Kuwait, Her Excellency Belinda Lewis has not only made history, but also forged one of the most dynamic chapters in the UKKuwait relationship. As her tenure comes to an end, she departs with admiration, gratitude, and a remarkable record of diplomacy, progress, and partnership. Ambassador Lewis has worked tirelessly to deepen ties between the two countries, launching the UKKuwait Strategic Dialogue, a highlevel framework that has enhanced political, economic, and security cooperation. She played an instrumental role in welcoming His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the UK on three signifi- cant visits, including a formal meeting with His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and again in Scotland earlier this year to mark the conclusion of the 125th anniversary of UK-Kuwait diplomatic relations. Her Excellency hosted His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh during a special visit to Kuwait in December, and welcomed four UK Cabinet Ministers and numerous senior officials, ensuring continued momentum in bilateral engagement. She actively contributed to four Joint Steering Groups focusing on mutual interests and strategic priorities. During her time in Kuwait, several landmark agreements were reached, from government-to- government defence procurement mechanisms, to multiple MoUs, to the historic 2023 Sovereign Investment Partnership, deepening investment cooperation between the two nations. Trade flourished under her stewardship, with bilateral commerce reaching an impressive £6.1 billion per year. Ambassador Lewis also championed educational and cultural exchange. With over 10,000 Kuwaiti students now pursuing degrees in British universities, the people-to-people links between the UK and Kuwait are stronger than ever. In the field of defence and security, joint exercises including a breathtaking performance by the Red Arrows reflected growing military cooperation. She also oversaw the UK and Kuwait's first international humanitarian partnerships, reflecting shared values and a global outlook. Belinda Lewis leaves behind more than achievements. She leaves behind trust, friendship, and inspiration. As the first woman to serve as Britain's Ambassador to Kuwait, she has paved the way for future generations while building a modern, resilient, and enduring partnership between our two nations. Thank you, Your Excellency, and farewell.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
UK, Kuwait mark 250 years of trade with green tech alliance
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: The British Embassy organized a reception for green energy stakeholders on Sunday evening. In a press statement, the embassy revealed that the reception showcased leading UK sustainable energy systems company Green Power Technologies (GPT)'s 'Power Box' -- a durable off-grid power unit designed to deliver clean energy in remote and challenging environments. It also marked the launching of Kuwait British Renewables (KBR) -- a joint venture between GPT and local power company General Control Group to design and manufacture smart metering systems and electric vehicle charging stations in the country. The reception was held under the patronage of Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait Sheikh Ahmad Duaij Al-Sabah and British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Belinda Lewis. The event highlighted the strength of the 250-year-long trading partnership between the UK and Kuwait, as well as the two countries' shared commitment to expand collaboration in the fight against climate change. Addressing the guests, Lewis stated: 'The United Kingdom and Kuwait have long enjoyed a close relationship based on shared values and strategic cooperation. Events such as this reaffirm the growing depth of our partnership; particularly as both nations seek to meet climate goals, embrace clean technology, and build knowledge-based economies. Forty-nine percent of the UK's electricity comes from renewable sources and we are actively supporting our partners, including Kuwait, to achieve their own energy transition goals.' Country Director for Trade at the embassy Naz Demir added: 'As we celebrate 250 years of UK-Kuwait trading relations, this launch is a powerful example of how our historic partnership continues to evolve and deliver real impact. Kuwait British Renewables reflects a shared vision for sustainable growth and energy innovation. The UK remains committed to supporting Kuwait's Vision 2035 through strategic investment and world-class expertise in clean technology.' Green Power Technologies (UK) Director Christopher Maltby commented: 'We are proud to bring British innovation to Kuwait with the launch of the Power Box -- a practical, scalable solution for clean, off-grid energy. This marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to support Kuwait's energy transition with smart, sustainable technology tailored to local needs.' Director of Kuwait British Renewables Richard Clements stated: 'Our goal is to localize world-class energy technology by producing smart meters and EV infrastructure right here in Kuwait. Alongside our sister company -- GPT, KBR will also source worldleading solar and battery storage solutions for installations in both homes and businesses. We are excited to be part of this national journey towards a digital, low-carbon energy future -- built in Kuwait, for Kuwait.'
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Arab Times
UK–Kuwait Mural Project Completed in Cardiff
KUWAIT CITY, May 22: The British Embassy and Cardiff University are proud to announce the completion of a collaborative mural. Commissioned during last year's celebrations to mark a century and a quarter of UK-Kuwait official diplomatic relations, the mural - painted by British artist Lee Ferry, is the second and final part of a public art project that commenced in Kuwait last year. The first part, completed at the British Embassy in November, reflects elements of the UK and Kuwait's respective cultures, and shared postage and maritime history. This new second part, situated in Trevithick Gardens—a popular green space within the Cardiff University campus— celebrates the cultural richness that has underpinned the UK–Kuwait partnership across more than 125 years. Featuring the Welsh dragon and daffodil alongside the Kuwaiti falcon and Arfaj flower, it skilfully interweaves traditional Kuwaiti Sadu and Celtic patterns - while a bee and butterfly reflect the garden's role as a space for biodiversity and student wellbeing. Welcoming the mural's completion, Her Excellency Belinda Lewis, British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, said: 'Joint celebrations to mark 125 years of official diplomatic relations served to highlight our two countries' unique partnership and to showcase the creativity and talent from the UK's four home nations. From the creation of this beautiful new mural at Wales' Cardiff University; to author / illustrator Clive McFarland's visit which offered a glimpse of Northern Ireland's vibrant literary scene; to the creation of a special "Partnership 125" tartan combining Scottish and Kuwaiti weaving materials, patterns, colours and techniques; to the launch of a horticultural exchange programme at England's Highgrove House and Gardens, celebrations have involved every corner of the UK.' Professor Rudolf Allemann, Pro Vice-Chancellor for International at Cardiff University stated: "This beautiful artwork at the heart of Trevithick Gardens celebrates 125 years of partnership with Kuwait. Cardiff University has a long tradition of welcoming students from Kuwait, and the mural reflects this by bringing together Kuwaiti and Celtic traditions and imagery. It symbolises the ambitions of this international partnership to create positive change and drive innovation that builds a better world for generations to come." British artist and founder of Custom Artwerk, Lee Ferry added: 'It was an absolute honour to be asked to design and paint this mural. I sought to draw on my experiences visiting Kuwait last year, which allowed me to get a feel for the country, culture and its shared history with the UK. Using what I had learned about the partnership between our two countries and throwing Welsh culture in the mix, I eventually came up with a mural that brings together our respective national identities. I've loved taking on this challenge and am thrilled that I got to learn something new while adding a splash of colour to brighten up everyday life. "
