KUWAIT: Commander of the European Union Naval Force (Aspidis), Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, has described Kuwait as a vital trade partner, underscoring the importance of strengthening cooperation to safeguard international sea lanes, protect global trade and address related challenges. In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Tuesday during his official visit to the country at the invitation of the Ministry of Defense, Gryparis said his meetings with Assistant Commander of the Naval Force Brig Gen Nasser Al-Mutairi focused on ways to deepen partnership with Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, given their shared commercial and security interests.

He stressed the need to expand information exchange and participation in joint efforts to secure sea lanes, noting that such cooperation would enhance Aspidis’ ability to protect maritime trade — a vital lifeline for both regional countries and Europe. Launched in February 2024, Aspidis operates in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and northwest Indian Ocean to secure international shipping lanes. Despite deploying only two naval vessels to cover a vast area, Gryparis said the force has successfully protected more than 1,200 ships.

He recalled the force’s intervention in preventing a potential environmental disaster involving an oil tanker carrying three times the capacity of the Exxon Valdez — whose 1989 spill off Alaska was one of the world’s worst ecological crises. The Red Sea operation, he noted, safeguarded desalination plants, fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Gryparis warned that growing threats to maritime navigation risk undermining the rule of law, destabilizing global trade and weakening international order. He stressed that the success of Aspidis depends on bolstering cooperation with Kuwait and other GCC states. Since its launch, he added, the force has maintained regular engagement with GCC countries, recognizing their crucial role in ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting the global trade routes on which the world economy depends. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday received the credentials of five newly appointed ambassadors to Kuwait. The envoys included Dr Adam Abdo Hassan, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger; Dr Brahima Diakite Kaba, Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia; Badiro Aguimon, Ambassador of the Republic of Benin; Michel Joliwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland; and Hassan Sogo, Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal.

His Highness the Amir receives the credentials of the Senegalese Ambassador.

His Highness the Amir receives the credentials of the Liberian Ambassador.

His Highness the Amir receives the credentials of the Ambassador of Benin.

His Highness the Amir receives the credentials of the Ambassador of Niger.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Director of the Office of His Highness the Amir Lt Gen (Ret) Jamal Mohammad Al-Dhiyab, Undersecretary of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Abdulaziz Mishal Mubarak Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Protocol Affairs and Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulmohsen Jaber Al-Zaid and Commander of the Amiri Guard Maj Gen Bader Amer Al-Sahloul. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The embassies of El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras in Kuwait jointly celebrated the 204th anniversary of their independence at a special ceremony held on Sunday at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Theatre and Hall. The event brought together resident ambassadors and diplomats, representatives of international organizations and distinguished guests, and highlighted both the shared history of the three Central American nations and their steadily growing relations with Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for the Americas Nawaf Abdullatif Sulaiman Al-Ahmed attended the event as guest of honor. In their remarks, the ambassadors reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Kuwait. The celebration provided an occasion not only to recall the enduring spirit of independence but also to underscore the expanding cooperation between Central America and Kuwait in diplomacy, development and cultural exchange.

Nicaraguan Ambassador Mohamed Farrara Lashtar described the day as “a cherished historical date that reminds us of the values of freedom, dignity and sovereignty”. Recalling the proclamation of independence on September 15, 1821, he said it represented “a historic moment that marked a new beginning, based on justice, equality and mutual respect among peoples, and guided by the sovereign will of our citizens.”

The ambassadors with Nawaf Abdullatif Al-Ahmed.

The Honduras pavilion at the venue.

Resident ambassadors and diplomats in Kuwait pose for a group photo.

Expressing gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government, and people, Lashtar noted, “The value of this national celebration is even greater by celebrating it in the sister land of the State of Kuwait. We deeply thank His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah – may God protect them – for their constant efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship and collaboration between Kuwait and Nicaragua, as well as with the nations of Central America and the world.”

He added that Kuwait’s leaders had set “an honorable example of diplomacy, wisdom, politics and openness to the world,” making Kuwait “a true beacon of humanitarian action and international support for the principles of peace and justice.”

Honduran Ambassador Francisco José Herrera Alvarado observed that Independence Day is not only a commemoration, but also “a day of reflection in which we show future generations its meaning, and above all, the importance of valuing what we have achieved and what we must set as a real goal for the future.”

Marking 204 years since independence, he stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen bonds with allies and friends across the global community. Herrera recalled that Honduras established diplomatic relations with Kuwait in 1972 and opened its mission in Kuwait in 2014. “We had already recognized Kuwaiti sovereignty in 1960, but our firm support came during 1990–1991, at the time when Kuwait faced its most critical moments. It was then that our support became the true reason why the friendship between our countries was consolidated,” he said. He added that Honduras looks forward to another presidential visit to Kuwait in 2026, following the one held 14 years ago.

Strategic initiatives

El Salvador’s Ambassador Juan Carlos Staben Boillat described it as “a great honor” to address the gathering on the 204th anniversary of his country’s independence. “Today, 204 years later, El Salvador is moving decisively forward on the road to development, driving strategic initiatives in areas such as economic modernization, technological innovation, infrastructure investment and the consolidation of security,” he noted.

Extending his country’s appreciation to Kuwait, Boillat remarked: “It is a nation that has consistently demonstrated solidarity and a strong vocation for dialogue. Our two countries are bound together by a relationship of friendship rooted in mutual respect and the shared desire to cooperate for the benefit of our peoples. I am certain that the relationship between El Salvador and Kuwait will continue to grow stronger, guided by the principles of respect, cooperation and solidarity that we both uphold.”