Najeeb Al-Badr: Kuwait respects all religions and cultures
Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Najib Al-Badr affirmed the profound and distinguished relations between Kuwait and the Vatican, noting that diplomatic ties between the two sides date back to 1968, and that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
This statement was made by Al-Badr during a farewell reception hosted by the Vatican Ambassador to Kuwait, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, on the evening of the previous day at the Crowne Plaza hotel. The event marked the end of Nugent’s tenure in the country, which lasted approximately five and a half years, and was attended by a number of officials, diplomats, and heads and representatives of Christian churches.
Al-Badr expressed his best wishes for Nugent’s success in his future assignments, praising the achievements he accomplished during his time in Kuwait that contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and consolidating communication bridges between Kuwait and the Vatican. He pointed out that the visit of Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to Kuwait last January constituted an important milestone in the relationship between the two sides, alongside the contribution to elevating the Church of the Holy Family in Kuwait to the status of a minor basilica. He emphasized that these steps reflect the growing level of relations between the two countries.
Al-Badr stressed that Kuwait takes pride in its respect for all religions and cultures, affirming that this approach encompasses all residents on its soil, regardless of their nationalities, backgrounds, or ethnicities, reflecting the values of coexistence and tolerance that characterize the state.
He described Kuwait-Vatican relations as distinguished and evolving across various fields, commending the Vatican’s stance on several political and humanitarian issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, and affirming the convergence of positions on many international issues.
Regarding the continuation of the strategic dialogue between Gulf countries and the European Union, Al-Badr pointed to an upcoming summit bringing together the two sides, noting that it will be the second summit between Gulf countries and the EU. It is expected to be held during the second half of October, although final details regarding participants and the venue have not yet been finalized.
For his part, the Papal Nuncio to Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, expressed his deep gratitude to the State of Kuwait and its people, affirming that the years he spent in the country were distinctive. He stated that what he would carry with him upon his departure are the memories of the people and the friendships that transcended the boundaries of religion, culture, and nationality.
Speaking at the farewell reception, Nugent said, “Looking around me in this hall tonight, I realize it brings together many people who were part of my life and mission in Kuwait.” He expressed his emotion at the farewell, affirming that the first thing he would say as he prepared to leave Kuwait was praise to God.
He added that he felt honored to serve the Holy See in Kuwait and the Gulf region, noting that his years of service witnessed important milestones and events, 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 recent regional developments that reminded everyone of the fragility of peace.
Nugent affirmed that crises and news headlines were not what would remain in his memory. “What I remember are the people, the warm welcome I received in Kuwait, the doors that were opened for me, and the conversations, friendships, celebrations, and meetings that brought me together with members of society,” he said.
He expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, commending the respect he observed for the Holy See and Kuwait’s commitment to dialogue, moderation, and peaceful coexistence.
He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all the officials he had the honor of working with, affirming that the essence of diplomacy is not limited to protocols and memoranda, but lies in building trust between peoples. He expressed his pride in having sensed this trust during his tenure in Kuwait.
Nugent stated that his mission in the region was, above all, a mission of faith. He directed his thanks to Bishop Aldo Berrardi, priests, nuns, and brothers who serve the Catholic Church, as well as to the thousands of believers he met in parishes, churches, and communities. He noted that many of them live far from their homelands and families, working hard and often in silence, yet attending Mass with joy, praying with faith, and caring for one another. He affirmed that this experience left a deep impression on him.
He added that there are memories that cannot be documented in an official report, including religious holidays, cultural celebrations, trips, visits, and meetings around tables. He explained that these occasions allowed for encounters where differences of religion, nationality, and culture faded, and we met as friends.
Nugent affirmed that he was leaving Kuwait with overflowing feelings, but not sadness. “Gratitude is stronger than sadness,” he said.
