Al-Badr: Kuwait first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican

Osama Diab: Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Najib Al-Badr affirmed the deep, distinguished relations between the State of Kuwait and the Holy See, noting that diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to 1968, and that Kuwait was the first Gulf state to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

This came in a statement made by Al-Badr on the sidelines of a farewell party hosted by the Vatican Ambassador to Kuwait, Eugene Martin Nugent, on the evening of the previous day, marking the end of his mission in the country after approximately five and a half years. The event was attended by a number of officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Al-Badr expressed his best wishes for Ambassador Nugent’s success in his future assignments, praising his efforts and contributions during his tenure in Kuwait, which strengthened bilateral relations between the two countries.

He pointed out that the visit of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Kuwait last January constituted a landmark in the trajectory of Kuwaiti-Vatican relations, alongside the elevation of the Holy Family Church in Kuwait to the status of a “minor basilica,” considering these developments as evidence of the growing ties between the two sides.

Al-Badr stressed that Kuwait takes pride in its approach based on respect for religions and cultures, emphasizing that this approach encompasses all residents on its soil, regardless of their nationality, background, or ethnicity, thereby embodying the values of coexistence and tolerance that characterize the state.

He highlighted the distinction and development of Kuwaiti-Vatican relations across various fields, commending the Vatican’s positions on a number of political issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, and affirming the convergence of visions and stances on many international and humanitarian matters.

Regarding the strategic dialogue between Gulf countries and the European Union, Al-Badr revealed preparations for an upcoming Gulf-European summit, the second of its kind, expected to be held during the second half of October next year, clarifying that final details regarding participants and the venue have not yet been finalized.

For his part, Vatican Ambassador to Kuwait Eugene Martin Nugent affirmed that his years of service in Kuwait and the Gulf region would remain among the most prominent milestones in his diplomatic and ecclesiastical career, expressing his appreciation for the respect shown to the Holy See and for Kuwait’s approach based on dialogue, moderation, and peaceful coexistence.

This was stated in a speech he delivered during the event, attended by representatives of the Kuwaiti government, members of the diplomatic corps, heads and representatives of Christian churches, and religious and community figures.

Nugent expressed his deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, commending the respect accorded to relations with the Holy See and Kuwait’s commitment to dialogue, moderation, and coexistence.

He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all officials he collaborated with during his tenure, emphasizing that diplomacy transcends protocols, memoranda, and official words to fundamentally rest on building trust among peoples—a trust he said he was fortunate to experience during his years in Kuwait.

Nugent recalled major events that took place in the region during his service, including the end of the “COVID-19” pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis’s historic visit to Bahrain, Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s visit to Kuwait last January, as well as regional developments and conflicts that underscored the fragility of peace in the region and the world.

He said that crises and major events would not remain at the forefront of his memories of Kuwait, but rather the people he met, the friendships he built, the warmth of the reception he received, and the dialogues, celebrations, and meetings that brought him together with various segments of society.

With a touch of humor, he said he was leaving Kuwait carrying “a lot of spiritual blessings, and perhaps a kilogram or two that I didn’t have upon my arrival,” referring to the hospitality he experienced during his years of residence.

He praised his colleagues in the diplomatic corps, affirming that the friendship and solidarity that united them during national occasions, official celebrations, and moments of joy and sorrow formed an important aspect of his experience in Kuwait.

He clarified that his mission in the region was above all a “mission of faith,” directing his thanks to Bishop Aldo Berrardi, priests, nuns, brothers, and all those working in service of the Catholic Church, as well as thousands of believers he met in various churches and communities.

He noted that members of Christian communities often live far from their homelands and families and work hard, yet they maintain their faith and concern for one another, saying that while his mission was to encourage them in their faith, they “often encouraged him in his faith.”

He pointed out that among the most beautiful memories he would take from Kuwait were religious holidays, cultural celebrations, trips, visits, and meetings where human friendship transcended differences of religion, nationality, and culture, describing these memories as “the treasures I keep.”

Nugent affirmed that he was leaving Kuwait with overwhelming feelings, but “not sadness, for gratitude is stronger than sorrow,” announcing his transfer to a new post in the Czech capital, Prague, and joking about the climatic challenge awaiting him after years spent in the Gulf climate, particularly regarding how to dress appropriately in January.

He added that every new assignment represents a different beginning, and that a person carries with them what they have learned from previous experiences, while leaving the future to God, affirming that he would always remember Kuwait with love for its generosity, hospitality, diversity, and above all, its people.

He quoted verses by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats, expressing his pride in the friendships he built during his years of service, affirming that what would remain most in his memory was “friendships that transcend borders, cultures, and religions.”

Nugent concluded his speech by thanking Kuwait, its people, the Church, the Papal Embassy team, and all his friends who shared part of his life’s journey, praying to God to protect His Highness the Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince, to bless Kuwait and its people, and to grant peace to the region and the world.