EU-Kuwait ties ‘outstanding’ | Kuwait Times Newspaper

KUWAIT: The Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, praised Kuwait’s strong relationship with the European Union, describing the ties as “outstanding.” On the sidelines of the Europe Day celebration held on Tuesday, Marafi emphasized the depth of cooperation in a range of sectors, highlighting recent milestones in Gulf-EU cooperation, notably the first GCC-EU summit in Brussels last October and Kuwait’s upcoming hosting of the 29th ministerial meeting between the two blocs this October.

He expressed optimism for a bilateral economic agreement, particularly a free trade deal, described as a gateway to “new horizons” in economic and strategic cooperation. For her part, the EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen, reflected on Europe’s transformation since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, saying “After being the battleground for two world wars, we learned that cooperation and interconnected societies are the only path to lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.”

EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen

The EU ambassador underscored the EU’s commitment to promoting a rules-based global order amid growing geopolitical tensions, condemning the resurgence of violence in Gaza, calling for a return to the ceasefire and urging humanitarian access. On Ukraine, she reaffirmed the EU’s goal of securing a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in accordance with the UN Charter, and praised Kuwait’s principled support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The ambassador also noted Kuwait’s pivotal role as GCC President in advancing strategic EU-GCC ties, announcing that the 9th EU-GCC Business Forum will also be held in Kuwait later this year.

The ambassador stated that the EU’s move to simplify Schengen visa procedures for Kuwaitis in 2023, saying “Achieving visa-free travel for Kuwaiti citizens remains one of my key goals.” “Our cooperation spans vital areas like trade, infrastructure, energy, security, humanitarian aid and cultural exchange,” she said, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties, celebrating Kuwait’s designation as Arab Capital of Culture. The ambassador called to further deepen the longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the European Union, as both sides prepare to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.