Kuwait strengthens its defense partnership with China
Deputy Minister of Defense Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Meshal Al-Sabah affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening its defense and military relations with the People’s Republic of China, praising the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressing the aspiration to develop it in a manner that contributes to supporting security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Meshal said, in a statement to journalists on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the Chinese embassy’s celebration of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, that he was pleased to participate in this occasion, extending his sincere congratulations to the Chinese ambassador to Kuwait, the military attaché, and embassy staff, as well as to the friendly government and people of China.
He added that “the occasion represents an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of Kuwait-China relations, which are based on bonds of friendship and strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of defense and security,” noting that this relationship is grounded in mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and close cooperation.
In response to a question about whether recent security developments in the region warrant expanding military and security cooperation between Kuwait and China, Al-Meshal clarified that “Kuwait’s defense policy is based on building bridges of cooperation with friendly countries, and Kuwait consistently strives to enhance its defense and military cooperation with various countries around the world.”
Regarding the potential for leveraging Chinese expertise in air defense and unmanned aerial vehicles, he explained that “military cooperation with each country is conducted within specific areas. Cooperation with China covers military industries, primarily the production of light and medium ammunition, which is present in Kuwait.”
In this context, he revealed that a Kuwaiti military delegation visited the People’s Republic of China last week to discuss ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries, in a manner that serves common interests and supports the paths of defense partnership.
When asked about new deals or joint military exercises with the Chinese side, Al-Meshal confined himself to saying, “They will be announced in due course,” and concluded his statement by reiterating Kuwait’s aspiration to elevate its defense relations with China in the coming period, thereby enhancing security, stability, and prosperity in the region, and wishing the People’s Republic of China continued progress and success.
