Morini: Italy Stood by Kuwait in the Recent Crisis and Will Always Remain a Loyal Partner and Friend

Osama Diab: Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, affirmed that Kuwaiti-Italian relations represent a distinguished model of strategic partnership based on mutual trust, shared values, and principles, emphasizing that the friendship between the two countries and their friendly peoples grows stronger thanks to the long history of cooperation, solidarity, and common positions that unite them.

This was stated in the entirety of his speech delivered during a reception hosted by the embassy to mark Italy’s National Day, the anniversary of Italian Unification, and the Day of the Italian Armed Forces, attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hamad Sulaiman Al-Mushaan, Commander of the Kuwait Air Force Lieutenant General Fahd Falah Al-Kharinji, along with a number of officials, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country, and friends of the embassy.

Morini clarified that the recent visit by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kuwait constituted a historic and important milestone in the trajectory of bilateral relations, reflecting the depth of friendship between the leaderships of both countries. He noted that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad received the Italian Prime Minister at Bayan Palace, in the presence of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah.

He added that this visit established a new phase of cooperation between the two countries, witnessing the signing of several important agreements, alongside the adoption by both governments of the Italian-Kuwaiti Action Plan for 2027–2030, which represents an ambitious roadmap to enhance bilateral cooperation over the next four years across various fields of mutual interest.

He pointed out that the plan includes strengthening political dialogue and cooperation in the fields of defense, security, economy, and justice, as well as creative projects, cultural heritage, social policies, and environmental issues. He emphasized that a key priority in the coming phase is to fully implement the plan’s provisions in collaboration with relevant Kuwaiti authorities, educational institutions, representatives of the public and private sectors, and civil society organizations.

In a related context, Morini affirmed that this year’s celebration carries special significance, particularly given the difficult circumstances the region has experienced. He noted that the occasion of Italy’s National Day, the anniversary of Unification, and the Day of the Armed Forces provides an opportunity to highlight the pivotal role played by the Italian Armed Forces around the world, and their importance as a cornerstone in strengthening relations between Italy and Kuwait.

He stressed that the participation of Italian soldiers in supporting Kuwait over the decades is a tangible testament to the depth of friendship, and indeed brotherhood, between the two countries. He noted that Italian forces have stood by Kuwait in all circumstances, from their participation in the country’s liberation in 1991, through supporting the Kuwaiti Armed Forces in their modernization and development journey, to their role in supporting regional stability and their participation in the international coalition against ISIS.

He highlighted that Italy’s role became particularly evident during the recent crisis, explaining that approximately 400 Italian soldiers were stationed in Kuwait last February, mostly at Ali Al-Salem Air Base. When the conflict erupted and they came under intense attacks, they continued to carry out their duties and did not leave their positions, despite being forced to spend long weeks in shelters under extremely difficult conditions.

He added that Italy recognized during that phase the importance of standing by its partners and the potential need for the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to receive support from its international allies, affirming that Italian soldiers remained on standby to provide

The necessary support was provided, and Italian embassy staff continued to carry out their duties and remain in Kuwait even during the most intense phases of the conflict. Morini stated, “This is the true meaning of friendship; true friends stand by each other in times of hardship,” emphasizing that Italy has stood by Kuwait and will always remain a loyal partner and friend, noting that the Italian and Kuwaiti peoples share values of honor and fidelity to commitments, which are fundamental pillars underpinning the relations between the two countries. In conclusion of his remarks, the Italian ambassador expressed his appreciation and honor for all Italian military personnel who lost their lives or were injured while participating in peacekeeping missions, including the victims of the Najaf attack in Iraq, Italian soldiers who died in Lebanon, as well as the victims of the recent tragic incident in Bosnia and Herzegovina.