UK Defense Advisor for the Middle East and North Africa: Enhancing Capabilities and Expanding Security Cooperation with Kuwait

May Al-Sukari: British First Defense Counsel for the Middle East and North Africa, Rear Admiral Edward Green, recently concluded a visit to Kuwait, during which he held a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthening the long-term defense and security partnership between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, and exploring ways to develop joint cooperation amid evolving regional security challenges. According to a statement from the British Embassy in the country, yesterday, which Al-Qabas obtained a copy of, Green met during his visit with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jara Al-Jaber, and the Director General of the General Directorate of Coast Guard, Commodore Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah. He also held meetings with high-ranking representatives of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense, including Chief of Staff Major General Khaled Al-Sharaian, Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Musharraf, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Dr. Wael Al-Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Dr. Anoud Al-Turaiman, and Chairman of the Procurement and Equipment Authority Commodore Sheikh Khalifa Al-Sabah.

Regional Security: The statement indicated that discussions centered on the current regional security situation, opportunities for capacity enhancement, and ways to continue developing defense relations between the two governments, thereby strengthening joint cooperation and supporting regional security and stability. The statement quoted Rear Admiral Green as saying, “It is an honor for me to return to the State of Kuwait to meet with our Kuwaiti partners once again. Our discussions emphasized the strength of defense relations between the United Kingdom and Kuwait and our shared commitment to regional security and stability.” He added, “As the security environment continues to evolve, the United Kingdom remains committed to standing by Kuwait, sharing expertise, enhancing capabilities, and identifying new opportunities to deepen our defense partnership between the two governments.”

The visit comes within the framework of Rear Admiral Green’s continuous engagement with Kuwait throughout 2026. He previously visited the country last March, accompanied by UK drone countermeasure experts, to discuss regional security, British support for Kuwait, and opportunities to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, before returning in May for further engagements.

Third Visit: According to the statement, this was Rear Admiral Green’s third visit to Kuwait this year, and his sixth over the past two years, reflecting the depth of defense relations between the two countries and the importance of regular high-level dialogue. The meetings provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the bilateral defense partnership and the shared commitment to regional security and stability, as well as to explore ways to continue deepening cooperation, enhancing capabilities, and jointly responding to evolving regional security challenges.

Deep Partnership: According to the statement, British Ambassador to Kuwait Qudsi Rashid emphasized that the United Kingdom and Kuwait enjoy a deep and enduring partnership based on friendship, trust, and a shared commitment to security and stability. Rashid said, “Our defense relationship represents the cornerstone of this partnership,” noting that the interactions witnessed in 2026 reflect the strength and comprehensiveness of bilateral relations. He added that Rear Admiral Green’s visit underscores the continuous commitment to working closely with Kuwait to address common challenges and to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Security challenges For his part, British Defense Attaché in Kuwait, Rear Admiral Neil Marriott, said that 2026 witnessed notable activity in defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, starting with joint training of the armed forces of both countries during the “Desert Warrior” exercise, through to close collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges and enhancing capabilities. He clarified that these activities are based on strong ties between the armed forces of the two countries, emphasizing both sides’ aspiration to build on this momentum through further training, exchanges, and practical cooperation.