Al-Badr: Gulf-European dialogue to be renewed at upcoming summit
Kuwait-Vatican relations are “distinctive and evolving” across various fields
Nugent: I had the honor of witnessing “building trust among peoples” firsthand during my tenure in Kuwait
Deputy Foreign Minister for European Affairs Ambassador Najib Al-Badr announced an upcoming Gulf-European summit, the second of its kind, expected to be held in the second half of October next month, noting that final arrangements regarding participants and the venue have not yet been finalized.
Al-Badr emphasized during a farewell reception hosted by the Papal Nuncio to Kuwait, Archbishop Eugene Martin Nugent, at the Crowne Plaza hotel, marking the end of his nearly five-and-a-half-year mission, that the summit falls within the framework of continuing strategic dialogue between Gulf states and the European Union, and enhancing cooperation between the two sides.
Al-Badr pointed to the depth of relations between Kuwait and the Holy See, clarifying that diplomatic ties between the two sides date back to 1968, and that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican. He expressed his wishes for Nugent’s success and achievement in his upcoming mission.
He stressed that Kuwait takes pride in its approach based on respecting all religions and cultures, affirming that this approach encompasses all residents on its soil, regardless of their nationalities, backgrounds, or ethnicities, reflecting the values of coexistence and tolerance that characterize the state.
He affirmed that Kuwait-Vatican relations are “distinctive and evolving” in various fields, commending the Vatican’s stance on several political and humanitarian issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue, and noting convergence in the positions of both sides on many international matters.
For his part, the Papal Nuncio affirmed that his years of service in Kuwait and the Gulf region would remain a distinctive milestone in his diplomatic and ecclesiastical career, expressing his deep appreciation for the respect shown to the Holy See and for Kuwait’s approach based on dialogue, moderation, and peaceful coexistence.
Nugent said that diplomacy, despite its protocols, memoranda, and carefully chosen words, is fundamentally based on “building trust among peoples,” affirming that he had the honor of witnessing this trust firsthand during his time in Kuwait.
He noted that his years of service in the region witnessed important events and transformations, including the end of the “corona” pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis’s historic visit to Bahrain, Cardinal Parolin’s visit to Kuwait last January, as well as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which served as a reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the world.
Nugent said he is leaving Kuwait with overwhelming feelings, “but not sadness, for gratitude is stronger than sorrow,” announcing the start of a new chapter in his mission in the Czech capital, Prague.
With humor, he recalled the stark contrast between Kuwait’s climate and the winter in the Czech Republic, saying that his first challenge might be learning how to dress appropriately for the month of January after spending years in the Gulf.
Nugent joked that he is leaving Kuwait carrying “a lot of spiritual blessings, and perhaps a kilogram or two that I didn’t have upon my arrival,” referring to the weight gain he experienced due to the generous hospitality he encountered during his stay in the country.
Nugent spoke about his experience with the Christian communities in Kuwait, noting that many of them live far from their homelands and families, working hard, often silently and without recognition, yet maintaining their faith and mutual care.
He said: “I came here as a bishop to encourage them in their faith, but they often encouraged me in mine.”
