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Kuwait’s envoy to US meets commerce secretary, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

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WASHINGTON: Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah met US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Wednesday, emphasizing the deep and longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the United States. During the meeting, Sheikha Al-Zain highlighted the historic ties between the two nations, stating that the “Kuwaiti-American partnership was forged in blood and strengthened by peace”.

She recalled the diplomatic efforts that led to the formation of an international coalition for Kuwait’s liberation in February 1991. She also underscored the lasting impact of that historic moment on the Kuwaiti people, reiterating Kuwait’s deep gratitude to the United States for its leadership and the bravery of its armed forces. Lutnick reaffirmed the enduring significance of these historical ties.

Sheikha Al-Zain emphasized the pride both countries share in their historic collaboration, pointing out that Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm were not only military successes but also an innovative financial model funded by Kuwait and allied contributions. She stated that Kuwait had ensured that the United States and its taxpayers bore no financial burden for the war to liberate Kuwait. She further pointed out that contributions from Kuwait and its allies not only covered all costs but also generated a financial surplus, reflecting the exceptional nature of this approach.

The ambassador also highlighted the post-war cooperation in tackling environmental crises, particularly the massive fires set in Kuwaiti oil fields during the Gulf War, hailing the swift and strategic international response. She praised the extraordinary efforts of Kuwaiti firefighters, engineers and oil specialists who worked tirelessly alongside international firefighting teams, demonstrating exceptional skill, determination and innovation in one of the most complex firefighting missions ever.

Sheikha Al-Zain noted that their swift response and expertise contributed to protecting Kuwait’s vital resources and accelerating the recovery of the oil sector. She added that the joint efforts, which were rapidly mobilized and strategically executed with the expertise of leading US firms, stood as a testament to the strength of global cooperation in overcoming environmental and economic crises. Lutnick commended Kuwait’s partnership with US companies in handling the fires.

On economic matters, Sheikha Al-Zain reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to open-market policies that support business and trade. She pointed out that Kuwait maintains one of the world’s lowest tariff rates at a fixed 5 percent for all trade partners, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the US. She also stressed that Kuwait does not impose protective tariffs on American products and provides exemptions for goods imported for US military operations. Lutnick welcomed these policies, commending Kuwait’s openness as a key factor in strengthening future economic ties.

The ambassador also shed light on Kuwait’s significant economic footprint in the US, represented by the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security and the private sector. She noted that Kuwaiti institutions and businesses hold substantial and strategic investments in US markets, reflecting Kuwait’s strong confidence in the American economy’s long-term growth.

Lutnick acknowledged the importance of these investments in enhancing economic ties, expressing appreciation for Kuwait’s contributions. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening the historic US-Kuwait partnership, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity for future generations.

The meeting came after Lutnick had made statements criticizing Kuwait’s trade policies, specifically regarding tariffs on American products. He accused Kuwait of imposing some of the highest tariffs on US goods, while invoking the United States’ role in liberating Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War. He reportedly claimed that the US spent “nearly $100 billion to liberate Kuwait”, suggesting that Kuwait’s trade practices are unfair given this historical support. Notably, official US records from 1992 suggest the Gulf War cost the US around $61.1 billion, with allies like Kuwait contributing significantly (about $36 billion from Gulf states), contradicting the $100 billion figure Lutnick cited. — Agencies

Key highlights of the meeting

• Strong Bilateral Ties: Ambassador Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between Kuwait and the US, forged through historical events such as Kuwait’s liberation in 1991.

• Military and Strategic Cooperation: She highlighted the financial contributions of Kuwait and its allies in covering the costs of the Gulf War, ensuring no financial burden on the US or its taxpayers.

• Post-War Collaboration: Sheikha Al-Zain discussed Kuwait’s role in tackling the massive oil well fires during the Gulf War, praising the joint efforts of Kuwaiti and US specialists in one of the largest firefighting operations in history.

• Economic and Trade Relations: Sheikha Al-Zain reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to open-market policies, maintaining a low 5% tariff rate for all trade partners, including the US. She also noted that Kuwait does not impose protective tariffs on American products.

• Kuwaiti Investments in the US: She highlighted Kuwait’s significant economic presence in the US through major investments by the Kuwait Investment Authority, the Public Institution for Social Security, and the private sector.

• Future Commitment: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening US-Kuwait relations and ensuring the continued growth of their economic and strategic partnership.

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Kuwait, UK leaders discuss strengthening bilateral ties

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Crown Prince, Starmer exchange calls • Coast Guard discusses security with UK official

KUWAIT: Kuwait and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their strong bilateral relations in a series of high-level discussions this week, covering diplomacy, regional security, and maritime cooperation. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received a telephone call on Wednesday from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to review the “distinguished and close” relations between the two countries and explore ways to further enhance them.

Prime Minister Starmer wished His Highness continued health and wellbeing, and expressed hopes for Kuwait’s ongoing progress and prosperity under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. In response, the Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister, describing the communication as a reflection of the “deep and solid” ties between the two friendly nations. He emphasized the shared commitment to further strengthen historical relations and expand cooperation across all fields, wishing continued prosperity to the UK and its people.

According to a statement from the UK foreign affairs department, the Prime Minister said the UK would work with close allies including Kuwait to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. The Prime Minister added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility that this plan delivered an end to the fighting in Gaza and a long-term pathway to peace.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chairs a meeting of the the Supreme Defense Council.

In parallel developments, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Defense Council, presided over a meeting of the council at Bayan Palace to review key regional developments and recent international affairs.

On the security front, Kuwait’s Coast Guard Director-General, Commodore Mubarak Ali Al-Sabah met with the UK’s Vice Admiral Edward Ahlgren to discuss shared security interests and ways to enhance cooperation. The meeting took place at Sabah Al-Ahmad Coast Guard Base and included senior Coast Guard officials.

During the visit, Commodore Mubarak Al-Sabah highlighted the “historical depth” of Kuwait-UK relations and the ongoing development of military and security cooperation. Admiral Ahlgren was briefed on recent updates at the Coast Guard, including the new coastal monitoring system and the integration of naval drones into Kuwait’s maritime fleet. The visit underlined both countries’ shared commitment to strategic cooperation in security and maritime domains, aiming to strengthen regional stability and safeguard mutual interests. — Agencies

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Kuwaiti PM rep. reaffirms commitment to dialogue, regional security

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 ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Representing His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah stressed Wednesday that Kuwait’s participation in Munich Security Conference (MSC) Leaders Meeting, reflects commitment to regional dialogue and cooperation.

In remarks to KUNA, on the sidelines of the meeting in AlUla city, Sheikh Fahad condemned Israeli aggression against Qatar and Gaza as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the assault posed a direct threat to Gulf collective security and broader regional stability, urging urgent international attention.

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He noted that the meeting provided a vital platform to discuss pressing global and regional security challenges, particularly the escalating conflicts and humanitarian tragedies in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, where participants agreed sustainable security remains impossible amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

He warned of grave consequences from escalating conflicts caused by Israeli occupation’s aggression, stressing risks to Gulf stability, while noting deliberations also addressed maritime and energy security, non-proliferation, food and water security, economic challenges, and shared transnational threats facing the international community.Reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment under its current presidency of the GCC, Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of bolstering collective security, unifying Gulf positions, and strengthening regional and international partnerships, while praising Saudi Arabia’s warm hospitality and MSC’s role in organizing this vital meeting. — KUNA

 

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Deliveroo Kuwait unveils exclusive global dishes

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KUWAIT: Deliveroo Kuwait is serving up a global culinary journey with the launch of the new dishes from “The Exchange Program”. The first-of-its-kind initiative sent four of Kuwait’s top chefs abroad to explore viral food trends. Each created a fusion dish inspired by their journey, available exclusively on Deliveroo.

The program kicked off with Chef Khaled Al-Baker of Young Po, who took inspiration from the bustling streets of Seoul, South Korea, to introduce Rabokki. The dish combines chewy rice cakes and ramen noodles in a spicy, savory sauce, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean street food straight to Kuwait.

From Rome, Italy, Chef Faisal Al-Nashmi of San Ristorante is introducing the Maritozzi Box. Featuring indulgent cream-filled buns, the dish captures the essence of Italy’s sweet traditions while adding Chef Al-Nashmi’s modern touch. Chef Sawsan Daana of Matbakhi is channeling the spirit of Athens, Greece, with the Savory Souffra. Inspired by the communal dining tables of the Mediterranean, this dish celebrates togetherness through a vibrant spread of flavors that highlight the richness and warmth of Greek cuisine.

Finally, OH G!’s Chef Ghalia Hayat is bringing a taste of London, England, with the Donut Pudding Ice Cream. Reinventing classic British desserts, this whimsical dish brings together Hayat’s salted caramel pudding ice cream with a decadent chocolatey fudge swirl and chunks of donut, to deliver a unique sweet experience that will surprise and delight.

Deliveroo Kuwait’s Exchange Program is more than just a menu — it’s a cultural experience. By spotlighting Kuwaiti chefs and their creative reinterpretations of international dishes, the program bridges food trends with local talent, inviting customers to explore the world without leaving their homes. All dishes are available now and for a limited time, exclusively on Deliveroo Kuwait.

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