Ambassador Morini: Italy and Kuwait Moving Toward Strategic Partnership... Defense and Security Cooperation Until 2030

Osama Diab: The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, affirmed that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Kuwait represents a significant milestone in the trajectory of bilateral relations, laying the foundation for a new phase of strategic partnership between the two countries. This comes in light of the adoption of a joint action plan extending to 2030, which includes initiatives for political, defense, security, economic, and social cooperation, alongside other vital sectors.

In a press statement, Morini said the visit reflected the depth and resilience of Kuwaiti-Italian relations, underscoring the commitment of both countries’ leadership to elevate ties to broader levels of coordination and cooperation. He noted that the coming phase will focus on translating understandings and agreements into practical projects and initiatives that serve mutual interests.

He explained that the visit was the culmination of continuous engagement between the leaderships of both countries over the past year, which witnessed meetings on the sidelines of international conferences and reciprocal visits by numerous ministers and officials, including those from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Interior. This demonstrated the expanding scope of cooperation and growing political coordination between the two sides.

Morini pointed out that the visit saw the signing of two agreements, in addition to the adoption of a joint action plan serving as a roadmap to develop Kuwaiti-Italian relations until 2030. He clarified that the plan encompasses multiple pillars, foremost among them political dialogue, defense, security, and technical cooperation, as well as the economy, investments, electricity, digital transformation, food industries, public security, judicial cooperation, creative industries, health, and education.

He stressed that the primary challenge in the coming phase lies in translating this plan into tangible results by identifying appropriate initiatives and their implementation mechanisms. He noted that the agreement between the leaderships of both countries places on ambassadors, officials, and experts the responsibility of following up on joint files and developing them to achieve agreed-upon objectives.

He highlighted that the core message of the visit is that Kuwait and Italy are friends and partners bound by close relations based on mutual respect, solidarity, and fulfillment of commitments, emphasizing that the two countries have stood by each other during key moments in their history.

He underscored that relations between the two countries are not based solely on agreements, but are rooted in mutual trust, commitment, and a dedication to implementing pledges. He reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to stand by Kuwait whenever support is needed and to continue joint work across various fields.

Kuwait’s security is Italy’s security: Regarding regional developments, Morini affirmed that what the region is witnessing has significant impacts on Italy and Europe. He stressed that Kuwait’s security and stability constitute a fundamental pillar for Italy’s own security, stability, and prosperity.

He stated that Kuwait’s security is Italy’s security, and that the stability of the region is linked to Europe’s stability, affirming his country’s readiness to support Kuwait and its regional partners and to participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing stability. He emphasized that confronting regional challenges requires broad cooperation and coordination among the relevant parties. He added that the two sides discussed ways to strengthen security and defense cooperation, based on their status as partners working together for the security of Kuwait and the region, noting that Italy is prepared to expand this cooperation in line with Kuwaiti needs and programs agreed upon by both sides.

In the economic sphere, the Italian ambassador clarified that the agreement signed between the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) aims to enhance direct investments and expand cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. He explained that the agreement focuses on encouraging Italian companies to invest in Kuwait, and Kuwaiti counterparts to invest in Italy, alongside increasing investment flows, developing joint promotional initiatives, and identifying sectors where both sides can collaborate. He noted that the head of the Italian Trade Agency met with his Kuwaiti counterpart during the signing ceremony, providing an opportunity to discuss prospects for developing institutional cooperation, and affirmed that work is underway to prepare practical initiatives to activate the agreement and enhance communication between the relevant authorities in both countries.

Regarding defense cooperation, Morini mentioned that the Italian company Leonardo signed a letter of intent with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, clarifying that the document does not constitute a binding contract but rather reflects a shared desire to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in specific areas. He added that the company, which is under Italian state control, is ready to work with Kuwaiti authorities in several sectors, pointing out that Leonardo is already present in Kuwait, participating in the Eurofighter aircraft program, and carrying out work related to the civil aviation radar system. He also indicated the completion of preliminary procedures for a cooperation agreement between the Italian Carabinieri and the Kuwait National Guard, explaining that the anticipated agreement, to be signed soon, will pave the way for implementing joint activities in the security field. He clarified that the existing cooperation between the defense ministries of the two countries does not include the National Guard, due to its institutional affiliation, which necessitated working on a separate agreement to govern cooperation between the Carabinieri and the Kuwait National Guard.

In the context of security cooperation, Morini explained that a technical delegation from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior visited Italy to discuss potential areas of cooperation under a joint action plan, including combating transnational organized crime, smuggling, and trafficking in drugs and human beings, as well as exchanging expertise in the management of correctional institutions and prisons. He added that the talks addressed ways to deal with foreign prisoners and members of international criminal organizations, develop prison management methods, enhance security procedures and staff training, and leverage technical expertise in the design and operation of correctional facilities.

He emphasized that customs cooperation constitutes a fundamental element in combating smuggling and illicit trafficking across land borders, ports, and airports, stressing the importance of leveraging modern technologies to detect smuggled goods and strengthen border control. Morini also addressed cooperation in the field of civil protection and crisis management, clarifying that this domain extends beyond military response to include coordinating efforts among security agencies, civil institutions, health services, and electricity, water, and food sectors, to ensure the continuity of essential services and meet the population’s needs during crises and natural disasters.

He noted that Italy possesses experience in handling natural disasters, including floods and volcanic eruptions, highlighting the importance of coordination between military and civil institutions in crisis management and providing essential services to those affected. He added that Kuwaiti delegations had visited Italy and other European countries to observe the experiences and practices adopted in this field, affirming that international cooperation is a necessity dictated by the cross-border nature of some disaster consequences, citing Italy’s dispatch of helicopters and aircraft to assist Spain during last summer’s wildfires.

Regarding the presence of Italian forces in Kuwait and the possibility of increasing their numbers, Morini confirmed that this depends on programs to be agreed upon by both sides, clarifying that there are currently no specific numbers or final plans to increase troop levels, although Italy is ready to enhance cooperation according to Kuwait’s needs and requirements.

On the delivery of the remaining batches of fighter jets, he clarified that the file was not discussed during the meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, as it is a continuous technical procedure, affirming that training activities have already begun and that additional aircraft are expected to be delivered soon. He pointed out the necessity of assessing damage to some facilities used by the aircraft as a result of the war, and verifying the availability of appropriate operational conditions before completing procedures, explaining that assessing the situation falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant Kuwaiti authorities, and that he does not possess technical details regarding the progress of this process.

Morini concluded by reaffirming that the Italian Prime Minister’s visit marks the beginning of a new phase of joint work, and that implementing the approved action plan up to 2030 will expand areas of political, economic, security, and defense cooperation, strengthening the partnership between Kuwait and Italy in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries.