Mourine: Strategic Partnership with Kuwait Until 2030

The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Morini, affirmed that the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Kuwait a few days ago represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations and a step toward establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries. He pointed to the adoption of an action plan extending to 2030 to expand cooperation in political, defense, security, economic, and social fields.

Morini stated in a statement that the visit reflected the depth of Kuwaiti-Italian relations and provided an opportunity to enhance coordination between the two countries, given the continuous communication between their leaderships and officials over the past year. He noted that the talks saw the signing of two agreements, alongside the adoption of an action plan containing practical initiatives to develop the bilateral partnership in the coming years.

He added that the next phase will focus on translating agreed-upon objectives into concrete projects and initiatives, emphasizing that the core message of the visit is that Kuwait and Italy are friends and partners who have stood by each other during important moments in their history. He clarified that Italy is ready to expand its cooperation according to Kuwaiti needs and programs agreed upon by both sides.

Regarding regional developments, Morini stressed that what is happening in the region significantly affects Italy and Europe, emphasizing that Kuwait’s security and stability are fundamental pillars for Italy’s own security, stability, and prosperity.

In response to a question about the presence of Italian troops in Kuwait and the possibility of increasing their numbers, Morini clarified that this is linked to programs to be agreed upon, noting that his country is ready to enhance cooperation as requested by Kuwait.

In the field of defense cooperation, Morini mentioned that the Italian company Leonardo signed a letter of intent with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, explaining that the document expresses a shared desire to explore opportunities to expand cooperation in specific areas.

He added that the company is already present in Kuwait, participating in the Eurofighter aircraft program, and is involved in works related to the radar system for civil aviation.

In the same context, he clarified that a technical delegation from the Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior visited Italy to discuss potential areas of cooperation in line with the joint action plan, including combating transnational organized crime, smuggling, and trafficking in drugs and humans, as well as exchanging expertise in managing correctional institutions and prisons.

He emphasized the importance of customs cooperation in combating smuggling and illicit trade across land borders, ports, and airports, and in leveraging modern technologies to detect smuggled goods and strengthen border control.

On economic matters, Morini 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.