Kuwait on the anniversary of its joining the Arab League: 65 years of contribution and support
Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of Kuwait’s accession to the Arab League, a milestone that showcased Kuwaiti diplomacy’s steadfast approach and persistent efforts to support Arab unity and enhance joint Arab action within this robust framework.
Upon gaining independence on June 19, 1961, Kuwait chose its Arab neighborhood as the natural arena for its political and diplomatic activities, firmly believing that the strength of the Arab nation is linked to its states’ ability to unify positions and coordinate efforts to face common challenges.
From this perspective, Kuwait’s accession to the Arab League on July 20, 1961, served as a practical embodiment of this orientation and sent a clear message that Kuwait is an active part of the joint Arab action system, with the Arab nation’s issues at the core of its foreign policy.
Over the past six decades and more, Kuwait has played political, economic, developmental, and humanitarian roles that reflect its commitment to its nation’s causes and its dedication to strengthening Arab cooperation.
Kuwait has hosted several important Arab meetings that left a political, economic, and developmental imprint, including the 2009 Arab Economic, Development and Social Summit, which was the first in a series of Arab summits, as well as the Third Arab-African Summit in 2013 and the 25th Regular Arab Summit in 2014, which discussed political and economic files, foremost among them the Palestinian issue.
Kuwait hosts a number of specialized Arab institutions, including the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Organization for Industrialization, the Arab Organization for Urbanization, the Arab Organization for Export Credit Insurance and Investment Guarantee (Guarantee), and others, reflecting its commitment to supporting joint Arab action institutions and enhancing economic cooperation among Arab states.
In the developmental field, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development represents one of the most prominent aspects of Kuwaiti contribution to supporting Arab states. Since its establishment in 1961, it has contributed to financing developmental projects in infrastructure, energy, education, health, and water sectors, in addition to Kuwait’s contributions in providing humanitarian and relief aid to Arab states affected by crises and disasters.
In this context, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Arab League, Ambassador Mohammed Al-Ajiri, told KUNA that Kuwait is among the leading Arab states in supporting joint Arab action and has played a pivotal role in enhancing Arab cooperation in political, economic, and social fields, thanks to its moderate diplomatic approach and efforts to consolidate stability and development in the region.
Al-Ajiri stated that Kuwait’s contributions to supporting joint Arab action are evident, as it has hosted Arab summits and conferences, put forward initiatives aimed at enhancing dialogue and bridging differences between Arab states, and supporting joint Arab action. He praised Kuwait’s foreign policy under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, particularly its continuous support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, its backing of relief and humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip, and its calls for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
On the other hand, Ambassador Al-Ajiri pointed to Kuwaiti contributions in supporting the Arab economy through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which has provided loans and grants to finance infrastructure projects in several Arab states, alongside encouraging joint Arab investments and enhancing economic integration. He highlighted the humanitarian and cultural role played by Kuwait through providing aid to Arab states affected by conflicts and disasters, supporting educational and research projects, encouraging academic exchange, and enhancing Arab media action.
Supporting the Integration Process
For his part, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs at the League, Dr. Ali Al-Malki, said, “Kuwait represents a prominent model in supporting the process of Arab economic integration through its active participation in Arab economic agreements and its contributions to financing developmental projects in Arab states.”
Al-Malki added that Kuwait has supported Arab initiatives in food security, sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance, alongside backing programs and budgets of specialized Arab organizations, emphasizing that this role reflects its belief in the importance of cooperation and concerted efforts to enhance joint Arab economic action.
He clarified that the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development has contributed to financing thousands of developmental projects in Arab states, pointing to the important role Kuwait has played in the humanitarian field through hosting international donor conferences to support the Syrian people in cooperation with the United Nations, and providing aid to states affected by crises and disasters.
He noted the support Kuwait has provided to specialized Arab economic institutions, including the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Organization for Industrialization, and the Arab Organization for Export Credit Insurance and Investment Guarantee, which enhances efforts for Arab developmental and economic integration.
Al-Malki affirmed that “what distinguishes the Kuwaiti experience within the joint Arab action system is the combination of political support, developmental financing, quiet diplomacy, and commitment to Arab economic integration,” emphasizing that “its approach based on moderation, dialogue, and respect for state sovereignty has enhanced its status and the trust of member states in it.”
Security and Stability
For his part, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Palestine and Occupied Arab Territories Sector at the Arab League, Ambassador Fa’id Mustafa, said, “Kuwait’s journey within the League represents a model of a state whose foreign policy is linked to a commitment to joint Arab action and a belief in the importance of Arab solidarity as a cornerstone for achieving security, stability, and development in the region.”
Mustafa added that “Kuwait has been keen since its accession to the League to be an active partner in various Arab milestones and has contributed to supporting joint Arab action institutions and enhancing their role. What distinguishes the Kuwaiti experience is the combination of steadfast principles and diplomatic flexibility.”
He highlighted Kuwait’s prominent role in Gulf reconciliation in 2017 and its contribution to reaching the (Al-Ula) agreement in 2021, in addition to its efforts in supporting Arab reconciliations.
