KUWAIT: The Ambassador of Germany to Kuwait Hans-Christian von Reibnitz congratulates Kuwait on the GCC’s Presidency, highlighting the importance of the significant responsibilities it carries amid regional and global challenges. During an iftar with local media representatives, the German ambassador praised His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his government for their leadership in navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of reliability in both GCC and international relations.

Highlighting Germany’s shared commitment to a rules-based international order, the ambassador reaffirmed the strong partnership between Germany and Kuwait, underscoring the significance of Kuwait’s leadership in the GCC and the importance of international cooperation in promoting stability and adherence to global norms.

Regarding economic cooperation, he stated: “Steering an economy through stormy weather requires clear perspectives of the achievable aims. Kuwait needs partners to realize its ambitious Vision 2035 and create a sustainable national economic basis for the years to come. I welcome the close economic cooperation between Germany and Kuwait, also in the EU-GCC framework, and look forward to seeing German companies joining European partners at the Business Forum planned in connection with the EU-GCC ministerial later this year.”

German ambassador poses for group photo with local media representatives.

The ambassador continued, “Also, I expect Kuwait to host the next meeting of the Joint Kuwaiti-German Economic Commission in due time. We should both look for opportunities to cooperate in our common interest. German companies stand ready to support.” On the other hand, the ambassador praised the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines Ramadan in Kuwait, highlighting the country’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering in conflict-affected regions. He added, “While we all celebrate Ramadan in Kuwait, a time of compassion and mutual support, I am heartened by the continued humanitarian efforts of the Kuwaiti government to alleviate the suffering of those affected by war, civil strife, hunger, and displacement, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Sudan.”

He emphasized Germany’s commitment to humanitarian aid, reaffirming his country’s support for the Arab Plan for Gaza and noted that Germany remains one of the largest contributors of humanitarian assistance to the region, saying “We support any effort to extend the ceasefire and find ways to address the needs of the suffering civilian population,” the ambassador added.

Regarding Syria, the ambassador underscored Germany’s dedication to supporting a political solution that ensures stability and inclusivity. “We are closely following the developments in Syria and are ready to support any political solution in the war-stricken country, that will stabilize it and guarantee the active participation of all Syrians in forging a future, irrespective of their belief, ethnic background, or gender,” he noted.

“Humanitarian assistance is never enough. And it only addresses the symptoms of the problems the world is facing. The current tendency to resort to violence and aggression in pursuit of interests has rendered the world more dangerous. While the peaceful resolution of disputes remains the ultimate aim, Germany and Kuwait stand firm in safeguarding the rules-based international order and fundamental principles of international law such as the right of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The justice of the powerful delivers our world to lawlessness. Germany was part of the global coalition standing by Kuwait in 1990/91 because Kuwait was a victim of aggression. Germany will continue to stand by Ukraine for the same reason,” he explained.

On German politics, the ambassador pointed out that after the snap elections on 23 February, Government formation is currently underway. The party leader of the Christian Democrats CDU, Friedrich Merz has announced to propose a coalition government before mid-April. “Given the current threats to peace and stability in Europe, he has negotiated a three-party agreement to raise the finances for a comprehensive national and European security plan, while agreeing to also invest in infrastructure and the environmental sustainability of the German economy. Once the new government is formed, I expect the key messages of the government program to be communicated without delay.”