Italian Ambassador: New Areas for Defense Training with Kuwait

The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Lorenzo Moreni, affirmed the depth and distinctiveness of Kuwaiti-Italian relations, noting that they are based on a broad partnership encompassing political, defense, security, economic, investment, health, and educational fields. In a press conference, he stated that Italy is keen to continue supporting Kuwait and contributing to enhancing the security and stability of the region, emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes, foremost among them the Strait of Hormuz.

He pointed out that defense and security cooperation between the two countries was strong prior to the recent regional crisis, explaining that approximately 400 Italian military personnel were stationed in Kuwait as part of the international coalition against ISIS, mostly based at Ali Al-Salem Air Base and other locations, before Italy was forced to relocate most of them abroad for security reasons. He praised the support provided by Kuwaiti authorities to Italian military personnel during the crisis, confirming that they received medical, logistical, food, and water support, with no serious injuries reported among them, except for some minor ones. He clarified that a group of Italian military personnel remains in Kuwait, but they are not currently operating within the international coalition; rather, they are present under the framework of bilateral defense cooperation and support.

The Italian Ambassador addressed several other topics in the dialogue, with the following details:

**Q: How do you describe the cooperation between Kuwait and Italy in the security and defense fields, particularly given the current regional circumstances?**

**A:** Relations between Italy and Kuwait are strong across various fields, including defense and security. We had strong defense cooperation with Kuwait before the crisis, and we were directly affected by what happened in the region. There were approximately 400 Italian military personnel in Kuwait operating within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS, mostly working from Ali Al-Salem Base and other locations. At the start of the crisis, they were forced to stay in shelters for long periods due to attacks and sudden alerts. Kuwaiti authorities were highly supportive and cooperative, providing medical, logistical, food, and water assistance, along with everything our personnel needed. The Italian military personnel remained in Kuwait for as long as it was possible, before we were forced to relocate most of them abroad for security reasons. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, only some minor ones, and Kuwait’s protective and defensive measures ensured a good level of security.

**Q: Have the Italian military personnel returned to Kuwait?**

**A:** Some have returned, but coalition operations are no longer managed from Kuwait. This is not an Italian decision, but one related to the coalition as a whole. We still have a group of military personnel here under the framework of bilateral defense cooperation and support, and their numbers vary according to the nature of cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities.

**Q: What were the main files discussed in the political consultations between the two countries amid the crisis?**

**A:** We believe that the path out of the current situation lies through dialogue and reaching a peaceful settlement, while respecting international law. A key issue for us is respecting freedom of navigation and transit in the Strait of Hormuz. This is not a matter concerning only Italy or Kuwait, but the entire international community, as developments in this region affect Europe, Asia, Gulf countries, and the world. Many countries rely on the region for energy, products, and raw materials; therefore, ensuring freedom of navigation represents a shared international interest.

**Q: To what extent has Europe been affected by what is happening in the region?**

**A:** The impact is very wide. When navigation is affected, supply chains are impacted, not only in the energy sector but also in food, medicine, fertilizers, and other areas. Oil and gas prices are determined in international markets based on supply and demand factors. Therefore, even if a country obtains its supplies from another source, disruptions in global supplies can lead to price increases. Gas prices in Europe rose significantly during the crisis, reflecting the extent of the interconnection between navigation security and global market stability.

**Q: What is the Italian position regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz?**

**A:** Italy views freedom of navigation as a vital interest for Kuwait, Italy, Europe, Asia, and the international community as a whole. We are ready to help support regional security and are working within the European Union to develop the mandate of the Aspidis mission to enhance the protection of commercial ships and navigation in the Hormuz region. We emphasize that any move in this area requires agreement and coordination with regional countries and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

**Q: Where has the Defense Cooperation Agreement between Italy and Kuwait reached?**

**A:** Italy has completed the ratification procedures, with only one final formal step remaining regarding the signature of the President of the Republic. We expect to complete the procedures and notify the Kuwaiti side soon. The Italian Parliament had approved the agreement, while Kuwait ratified it last June.

**Q: What will the agreement add to the defense cooperation between the two countries?**

**A:** The agreement provides a broader general framework for cooperation, particularly in training, joint exercises, exchange of expertise, information, and defense materials. It is not linked to a specific deal or a particular weapons system; rather, it establishes a legal framework for cooperation, after which more specific memoranda of understanding and agreements can be signed in various fields. Among the areas where cooperation can be developed are anti-drone systems, air defense, surveillance, cybersecurity, and others.

**Q: Are there negotiations with the Kuwait National Guard?**

**A:** Yes, we are negotiating a cooperation agreement with the Kuwait National Guard, covering many areas. These include protecting strategic facilities and infrastructure, personal protection, specialized training, as well as combating the smuggling of antiquities, artworks, and prohibited materials. We can leverage the expertise of the Italian Carabinieri forces in these areas, along with the exchange of expertise and information.

**Q: What about cooperation in the Eurofighter program?**

**A:** The Eurofighter agreement dates back to 2016 and is separate from the new Defense Cooperation Agreement. Three aircraft remain undelivered to Kuwait; they are ready for delivery, but the security conditions in the region over the past months prevented their transfer to Kuwait. We were waiting for stability, and the aircraft are ready for delivery. We are working to complete the necessary procedures.

**Q: How is cooperation organized in the Eurofighter program?**

**A:** The program is based on a contract between the Kuwait Air Force and the Italian company Leonardo. The Italian government plays a supervisory role to ensure service quality and the company’s compliance with contract terms and regulations governing bilateral relations. Personnel working on the program handle maintenance, technical support, training, facility management, and assistance in transporting the aircraft, while Kuwaiti pilots fly the aircraft after receiving training at Italian facilities.

**Q: Are there other defense projects between the two countries?**

**A:** There are several areas of cooperation. Italy provides equipment and technical support to the Kuwaiti Armed Forces. Additionally, Italian-made defense systems are used in Kuwait, with some being updated to keep pace with new threats, including drones. Italian companies have also supplied the Kuwait National Guard with ammunition for short-range weapons and other materials.

**Q: What about the Sky Guard system?**

**A:** Kuwait acquired the Sky Guard air defense system from an Italian company more than 15 years ago. The system has undergone continuous updates to keep pace with threat developments, especially drones, which have seen significant advances in speed and capabilities. A new update is currently underway to make the system more responsive to modern threats. The system operates in conjunction with the Patriot system, with each system handling different types of targets, while a central command center determines the nature of the threat and the most suitable system to address it. The Kuwaiti side has expressed satisfaction with the system’s performance, and we are also satisfied with its effectiveness.

**Q: What about the Kuwait International Airport radar?**

**A:** The radar at Kuwait International Airport, provided by Leonardo, was damaged during the crisis. We managed to provide an alternative radar to Kuwait within a few weeks, although manufacturing its components usually takes months. This is an example that cooperation between the two countries is not limited to direct military fields but also includes essential civilian equipment for Kuwait’s security and stability.

**Q: What are the main training programs benefiting Kuwaiti military and security personnel?**

**A:** There are different types of training. We have a military academy that receives personnel from the Armed Forces, and some programs can last a year or more. There are also short, specialized courses lasting between one and three months, including training for Eurofighter pilots, combating transnational criminal organizations and terrorism, protecting archaeological sites and strategic facilities, and other fields. We occasionally receive personnel from the Armed Forces, security agencies, and the Kuwaiti Police to participate in international courses in Italy.

**Q: How many Kuwaiti military personnel are currently in Italy for training?**

**A:** There are currently about 30 personnel from the Kuwait Air Force in Italy, in addition to two officers from the Naval Force. There is also an Italian military officer at the Mubarak Al-Abdullah College of Joint Command and Staff as part of the exchange programs.

**Q: What about maritime cooperation?**

**A:** No party can operate in this region alone; we need cooperation between regional countries and international partners. Italy has affirmed its readiness to help support regional security and secure navigation. We are also working within the European Union to develop the mandate of the Aspidis mission to enhance the protection of commercial ships and navigation in the Hormuz region. However, any move in this area requires agreement and coordination with regional countries and GCC states.

**Q: How do you view Kuwait’s role in maintaining regional security and stability?**

**A:** Kuwait can play an important role in this field. Historically, it has been known for supporting dialogue, diplomacy, and respecting international law, and it enjoys good relations with various parties in the region. This makes communication with Kuwait important for us, as it has direct communication channels with several regional countries and can contribute to conveying messages and opening dialogue channels. Kuwait also plays an important role within the United Nations and provides clear support for the international action system.

**Q: How do you view the upcoming summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council?**

**A:** It will be an important milestone for cooperation between the EU and the GCC. We see it as an opportunity to pool efforts, ideas, and resources to push for a settlement that respects international law and is acceptable to the concerned parties. Italy is ready to work with its European partners and Gulf countries to support stability, dialogue, and freedom of navigation.

**Q: What fields do you see as holding the greatest potential for developing economic relations?**

**A:** Trade and investment are among the most important files we recently discussed. We want to encourage partnerships between the private sectors of Italy and Kuwait, increase Kuwaiti investments in Italy, and enhance the presence of Italian companies in the Kuwaiti market. There are already Italian companies operating in Kuwait, some of which have established local companies, but we believe the field is open to increasing this presence. We also want to encourage Kuwaiti investments in new sectors in Italy, including the food and food production sector. Kuwait Petroleum International (Q8) is one of the most prominent Kuwaiti investments in Italy and is highly regarded.

**Q: What about the visit of Italian businessmen to Kuwait?**

**A:** We are working on a visit by an Italian economic delegation to Kuwait in early October, in cooperation with Assolombarda, which represents industrial and commercial companies in the Lombardy region. The organization includes more than 7,000 companies, and we believe there are wide opportunities for cooperation in multiple sectors. The role of the embassy is to facilitate communication and open doors, but thereafter, cooperation must be between the companies themselves, i.e., from the private sector to the private sector.