Rashid: UK's commitment to Kuwait's security is firm
Kuwait’s British Ambassador, Qudsi Rashid, confirmed that his country has changed its approach toward Israel in light of the threat to the prospects of establishing a Palestinian state, emphasizing that the official British position considers the Israeli occupation of the West Bank illegal and unacceptable under international law, after previous focus had been largely on the illegality of settlements.
Rashid, speaking at a press conference, stated that the shift in the British position was accompanied by practical measures, including expanding sanctions related to illegal settlements, banning the import of products from these settlements into the United Kingdom, and preventing British companies from providing services that support those settlements. He clarified that these measures could include declaring properties located in settlements for sale, providing banking services to them, or involving British construction companies in projects that support the establishment or expansion of settlements, stressing that these steps target the activity of illegal settlements and do not aim to restrict trade with Israel in general.
He added that tracking the origin of products is not simple, but there are British precedents for banning imports from illegally occupied territories, such as the Crimean Peninsula and Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia, noting that importers and companies bear responsibility for verifying the source of their goods and that circumventing sanctions constitutes a legal violation.
Rashid pointed out that the British Foreign Secretary publicly criticized what he described as the “ethnic cleansing” carried out by settlers in the West Bank, noting that the Israeli government sometimes ignores the actions of these settlers. Regarding Gaza, he spoke of reliable evidence of war crimes, affirming the UK’s support for independent investigations into what occurred, whether before the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice.
He stressed that the change in British policy does not signify hostility toward Israel or the Israeli people, explaining that Britain continues to maintain economic and security ties and people-to-people connections, but believes that protecting the possibility of a Palestinian state requires taking steps against settlement expansion. He said, “The rhetoric has changed, the policy has changed, and the measures have changed,” while affirming that Britain still views the two-state solution as the option capable of achieving peace and protecting the interests of both Palestinians and Israelis.
He added that the October 7 attacks were condemned, and that Hamas should not have a future role in governing Gaza, affirming Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense, but stating that this does not justify what Gaza has witnessed in recent years. He clarified that Britain’s position is based on a two-state solution within the 1967 borders, and that recognizing Israel’s right to exist does not grant it the right to occupy the West Bank, noting that Britain recognized the State of Palestine in 2024 and took further steps in 2025, with additional measures ongoing.
Rashid noted that the British government has also expanded the scope of arms export restrictions to Israel, explaining that previous restrictions focused on preventing the export of arms that might be used in military operations in Gaza, while the new scope includes arms that could be used to entrench the illegal occupation of the West Bank. He pointed out that Britain is not alone in taking new steps regarding settlements, mentioning France and Canada among the countries cited by the Foreign Secretary, along with other nations that have taken or are considering similar measures.
On Kuwaiti-British relations, Rashid affirmed that his country’s commitment to Kuwait’s security and stability is “firm,” manifested in a broad partnership encompassing defense cooperation, military training, professional exchanges, strategic dialogue, and close diplomatic communication. He said Britain stood by Kuwait during the crisis with Iran, working closely with Kuwaiti partners to support regional security and stability, explaining that his country deployed the “Rapid Centurion” air defense and counter-drone system in Kuwait following Iranian strikes in the region to help protect British and Kuwaiti personnel and interests.
He confirmed the system’s continued presence in Kuwait since last April, noting that the British military personnel responsible for operating it remain in the country and will continue to work within air defense efforts in coordination with the Kuwaiti side. He added that the UK provided additional support through “Orca” counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities, alongside continuing the exchange of expertise, training, and operational experience to enhance Kuwait’s readiness and capacity to face changing threats.
He clarified that cooperation includes the presence of British air surveillance officers in the air defense operations center, and British military personnel working with their Kuwaiti counterparts and personnel from other countries within command centers to contribute to protecting Kuwaiti airspace.
In response to a question about the number of “Rapid Centurion” systems, Rashid clarified that there is only one British system in Kuwait, not a single aircraft or piece of equipment, explaining that it is an integrated system comprising means for surveillance, detection, tracking, and countermeasures against drones, and communicates with command centers to determine how to handle air threats. He noted that the system covers a specific part of Kuwaiti airspace, as a single system cannot cover the entire country, pointing out that other systems are available to Kuwait, the United States, and Jordan covering different areas, while declining to disclose the location of the British system.
Regarding satellites, he said there is an exchange of information and satellite imagery, alongside discussions between governments and the private sector regarding the potential for additional support. He clarified that satellites do not monitor everything, and that radars are more effective in rapidly detecting incoming ballistic missiles and drones, given the short time between launch and impact, which may be less than two or three minutes. He added that ballistic missiles can cause significant damage if they hit their targets, but are relatively easier to track and intercept, whereas drones pose a greater challenge due to the potential for launching large numbers of them and the difficulty in detecting and countering them.
He affirmed that Britain views defense cooperation with Kuwait on two levels: dealing with current threats and joint work over the next three to five years to develop capabilities to face future threats. He explained that the defense relationship between the two countries is deep and multifaceted, having evolved over decades, and includes military training, defense education, operational cooperation, security consultations, and regular high-level dialogue between the armed forces and governments.
He noted that the British Military Mission represents a cornerstone of defense cooperation between the two countries for over 30 years, with its personnel permanently stationed in Kuwait and working with the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to provide training, advice, and expertise in various fields. He added that the mission continued its cooperation and training with Kuwaiti partners, including the National Guard, affirming that these activities enhance capabilities and interoperability and contribute to collective security and regional stability.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Rashid said Britain discussed the file with Kuwait, affirming that closing the strait is unacceptable and calling on Iran to open it immediately and unconditionally and restore freedom of navigation. He added that disrupting navigation harms Kuwait and the world, affirming that the solution must be diplomatic through a return to negotiations, not military. He stressed that the importance of the Gulf to global energy supplies and international trade makes cooperation with Kuwait and regional partners to support maritime security, de-escalation, and freedom of navigation a continuous priority.
He clarified that the UK continues to contribute to international efforts to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships through major sea lanes and remains in close dialogue with Kuwait regarding regional security challenges. He noted that Britain played a leading role in establishing the multinational maritime mission for the Strait of Hormuz and continues to work with partners to enhance maritime security through training and maritime security activities in the strait’s vicinity to help deter threats, reassure commercial shipping, and support the free flow of trade and energy supplies in accordance with international law.
Regarding developments in Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab, Rashid described the regional situation as unstable, expressing concern over Houthi movements in recent weeks. He affirmed the UK’s unequivocal condemnation of renewed attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, and the continued threat to international navigation. He called on the Houthis to immediately cease their attacks and return to the negotiation track under UN mediation, affirming that continued fighting will not yield a positive result and that there is no long-term military solution, but rather a sustainable settlement achieved through diplomacy and negotiations.
He said Britain remains in close contact with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf partners regarding air defense, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure, noting that cooperation includes training, defense communication, information exchange, and coordination on shared regional threats. He added that Britain, at the request of the Saudi government, agreed to provide one Royal Air Force “Voyager” aircraft for aerial refueling to support Saudi defense activities, enabling Saudi aircraft to remain airborne for longer periods.
On the economic file, Rashid said that deepening the economic partnership between Kuwait and the UK was one of his main priorities during the past year, expressing pride in the progress made in strengthening trade links and supporting new business opportunities. He considered the conclusion of negotiations on the free trade agreement between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries an important milestone laying the foundation for a more ambitious economic relationship in the coming years. He clarified that the agreement has not yet entered into force, and that the UK and the GCC, including Kuwait, are required to complete their necessary domestic procedures for ratification and implementation in their laws. He said that as of now, there is no clear date for the agreement to enter into force, and he does not wish to speculate on the timing, expressing hope for progress in the coming months.
He explained that the agreement aims to facilitate trade and investment, remove barriers and tariffs, ease the movement of goods and services, create new opportunities for businesses, and support economic diversification and long-term growth. He pointed to opportunities in financial and professional services, infrastructure, clean energy, healthcare, technology, education, advanced industry, and data. He affirmed that Kuwait’s potential gains extend beyond trade to include deepening investment and enhancing partnerships in finance, technology, clean energy, supporting economic diversification ambitions.
He said his goal in the coming phase is to build on the strong foundations of the bilateral relationship and ensure that the UK remains a partner for Kuwait in its efforts to achieve economic transformation, with deepening cooperation in investment, life sciences, technology, innovation, and clean energy.
On the travel file, Rashid said the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has been widely accepted in Kuwait, explaining that the UK issued approximately 244,000 electronic travel authorizations to Kuwaiti citizens by June 2026. He noted that the number does not necessarily represent the number of travelers or trips, as a person may obtain an authorization without traveling, or use it for multiple trips. He affirmed that Kuwaitis enjoy streamlined procedures for obtaining the authorization, with application completion taking a short time and the authorization often issued within minutes. He cited Jordan, explaining that it previously held a similar status to Kuwait before it was revoked after cases of system misuse and violations of British immigration laws were detected.
On the educational file, Rashid said education represents one of the strongest pillars of the Kuwaiti-British relationship, estimating the number of Kuwaiti students studying at British universities at around 14,000, including government-sponsored scholars and students funding their studies independently, while noting that the figures are approximate. He clarified that fields of study include computer science, cybersecurity, business administration, accounting, finance, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and other health fields, as well as data, artificial intelligence, and technology. He noted that these fields align with Kuwait’s ambitions under Vision 2035 and the skills required to build a modern knowledge-based economy. He called on Kuwaiti students to explore educational opportunities across the UK and not limit themselves to London, pointing out the availability of world-class universities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Regarding British schools in Kuwait, Rashid affirmed that they play a very important role in the bilateral relationship, noting that Kuwait hosted the first British school in the Gulf and today includes 12 member schools of the British Schools in the Middle East Association, along with other schools offering the English curriculum. He said the English curriculum is internationally valued for providing a strong foundation in core subjects and its focus on analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
On research cooperation, he explained that the British Council works with partners in both countries to connect universities, researchers, and institutions and develop joint projects in health, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, water security, sustainability, and skills development. He pointed out the availability of numerous partnerships between British universities and Kuwaiti institutions, including cooperation between King’s College London and Abdullah Al-Salem University, which involves research on launching joint initiatives in medical training.
On agreements and projects, Rashid said that bilateral relations already include a large number of agreements and cooperation fields, and that his priority is their implementation and deepening their practical results in education, health, defense, cybersecurity, and investment. He affirmed that he does not seek to sign agreements merely for announcement purposes, but focuses on actual work and tangible projects. He clarified that joint meetings within bilateral cooperation mechanisms are usually held every six months to a year, noting that regional escalation conditions have affected priority arrangements, and that both sides are looking to hold the next meeting at the end of this year or early next year, without setting a final date.
On evaluating his first year as ambassador to Kuwait, Rashid said he arrived in the country on October 1 of last year and did not expect Kuwait to face Iranian attacks, explaining that the outbreak of escalation changed his priorities and made his core mission to demonstrate his country’s political, diplomatic, and military support for Kuwait. He noted that the attacks brought back memories of the 1990 invasion, affirming his commitment to ensuring Britain fulfills its friendship and partnership obligations with Kuwait.
He clarified that approximately 40 British military personnel were in Kuwait before the escalation and were working within various areas of cooperation with the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, then some of their tasks shifted from training and education to supporting defense operations. He added that one British military specialist in air defense worked alongside his Kuwaiti counterparts within the operations center during the response to missiles and drones, while Britain later sent dozens of additional military personnel to provide advice, support, and operate the system, without specifying their number. He said that the arrival of the “Rapid Centurion” system and receiving a call informing him of the first drone interception by it were among the moments he felt most proud of during his first year.
Rashid affirmed that the relationship between Kuwait and the UK extends beyond economics and defense to include education, culture, investment, security, and people-to-people ties, stressing that it is a deep and enduring partnership based on trust, shared interests, and a long history of cooperation. He added that the coming phase will focus on expanding cooperation in investment, technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, clean energy, education, and healthcare, alongside continuing to strengthen the defense and security partnership, affirming that his goal is for the relationship between the two countries to be based on a shared future as much as it is on a shared history.
