Rashid: Our commitment to Kuwait's security is firm and unwavering

The British Ambassador to Kuwait, Qadasi Rashid, reaffirmed his country’s steadfast commitment to Kuwait’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, emphasizing that the historical ties between the two nations, spanning more than 125 years, constitute a robust strategic partnership based on mutual trust and close cooperation across various fields.

In an exclusive interview with KUNA, Ambassador Rashid stated that the United Kingdom regards Kuwait as one of its oldest and most important partners in the Gulf region, noting that bonds forged over more than a century remain highly relevant amid current regional and international challenges. He added that what distinguishes Kuwaiti-British relations is their comprehensiveness and the diversity of their cooperation areas. Defense and security cooperation form a central pillar of this partnership, which has expanded to include trade, investment, healthcare, education, energy, culture, and innovation.

Addressing shared challenges, he explained that the two countries work closely to confront common issues, foremost among them regional security, economic diversification, and leveraging opportunities offered by modern technologies, reflecting the evolution of bilateral relations and their capacity to keep pace with changes. In this context, he pointed to high-level reciprocal visits, including that of former UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in April 2026, as well as visits by senior British defense officials, including Air Marshal Edward Alregren, the UK’s Senior Defense Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa. He stressed that these meetings reflect the depth of the strategic partnership and renew the UK’s commitment to standing by Kuwait during difficult times.

Regarding defense cooperation, Ambassador Rashid emphasized that military relations represent one of the strongest pillars of the Kuwaiti-British partnership, noting that the bonds solidified during Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 continue to form a solid foundation for close cooperation and mutual trust between the armed forces of both countries.

He stated that defense cooperation encompasses a wide range of areas, including military training, specialized military education, capacity and equipment development, and knowledge exchange in countering drones, as well as enhancing coordination between defense and security institutions. He added that continuous communication between the military authorities in both countries contributes to strengthening readiness and the ability to address current and future security challenges, noting that recent visits by senior British military officials have helped enhance cooperation and develop the capacity for joint operations between the Kuwaiti and British armed forces. He stressed that the primary objective of this cooperation is to ensure the continued exchange of expertise and knowledge between the armed forces of both countries, enhancing their ability to operate effectively in support of regional security and stability.

On regional developments, Ambassador Rashid said that the UK’s commitment to Kuwait’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity is unwavering. He affirmed that his country has stood by Kuwait at pivotal historical moments, and this stance remains as firm as it was during Kuwait’s liberation. He clarified that during recent regional tensions, the UK worked closely with Kuwait and its Gulf partners to support regional security and stability through continuous coordination, maintaining an appropriate presence in the region, and focusing on protecting freedom of navigation and the safety of partners.

He added that these efforts once again embodied the practical nature of the security partnership between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of joint coordination in addressing developments and challenges facing the region.

Praising Kuwait’s role, Ambassador Qudsi Rashid emphasized the state’s contribution to enhancing regional stability, stating, “Kuwait is highly respected as a key regional partner due to its consistent approach based on dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation.” He noted that the United Kingdom highly values Kuwait’s efforts to support constructive solutions to regional challenges and considers Kuwait a principal partner in its long-term strategy toward the Gulf region.

Regarding the future of bilateral relations, the British ambassador affirmed that the prospects for cooperation between the two countries are promising, and the coming phase will focus on expanding the partnership in sectors that contribute to shaping the future of the economy and security.

On military cooperation, he explained that British priorities include continuing to deepen military ties, enhancing joint training programs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of future defense capabilities, with defense cooperation remaining a key pillar of bilateral relations.

On the economic front, he stated that there are significant opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investments, affirming that the United Kingdom remains a primary destination for Kuwaiti investments, while British companies continue to support Kuwait’s economic development and help achieve the goals of “New Kuwait 2035.” He added that his country looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Kuwait in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, clean energy, healthcare, higher education, and financial services, thereby supporting economic diversification and innovation efforts in both countries.

Highlighting efforts to enhance relations, he pointed out that the conclusion of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, announced on May 20, 2026, represents a significant milestone in strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two sides. He noted that the agreement, once implemented, will help reduce trade barriers, improve market access, and open new opportunities for businesses and investors in Kuwait and the United Kingdom, while also enhancing cooperation in services and digital trade sectors. He affirmed that this step aligns with the shared ambitions of both countries in economic diversification, innovation, and strengthening long-term commercial and investment partnerships.

Regarding mechanisms to develop bilateral relations, Ambassador Rashid stated that the Kuwaiti-British Strategic Dialogue and regular high-level meetings provide an important framework for identifying new cooperation opportunities and following up on the implementation of joint initiatives across various sectors.

Concluding his interview with KUNA, British Ambassador Qudsi Rashid emphasized that the shared ambition of Kuwait and the United Kingdom is to build a modern, innovative partnership that looks to the future and delivers sustainable benefits for both countries and their peoples.