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Dutch envoy ends tenure, hails Kuwait energy partnership

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KUWAIT: As he prepares to conclude his five-year tenure, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kuwait Laurens Westhoff shared his reflections on the evolving Dutch-Kuwaiti relationship, emphasizing strong political cooperation, energy partnerships and enduring hospitality.

“I arrived five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first things I realized was how effectively the Kuwaiti government managed the crisis,” he said. “But for me as a diplomat, it came with challenges. I rely on face-to-face contact. And for the first year and a half, that wasn’t possible.” Despite the early difficulties, the ambassador described his time in Kuwait as “fantastic and fruitful,” highlighting decades of strong bilateral ties that were marked in 2024 with the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He explained: “We’ve worked to enhance every aspect of our relationship, including political dialogue both here and in the Netherlands,” adding that one of the key achievements during his tenure was initiating a new area of collaboration focused on energy transition. “We partnered with Kuwait University, KFAS, and KISR and connected them with Dutch experts to explore how a country so reliant on oil can diversify into solar and hydrogen energy. It was a meaningful step toward sustainable cooperation,” he said.

The ambassador praised the Kuwaiti people’s openness and warmth, describing it as one of the most memorable aspects of his experience. “Everywhere you go, you are met with open arms,” he said. “That genuine hospitality is something truly special and honestly, it spoils you. It’s a unique trait that shows Kuwaitis’ openness to dialogue and cooperation with others.”

He noted the similarities between Kuwait and the Netherlands as smaller countries surrounded by powerful neighbors, which strengthens their shared emphasis on diplomacy and mutual understanding. “We both know the value of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional and international relations. That common ground builds strong ties between us.”

Ambassador Westhoff highlighted that the Netherlands is the largest European investor in Kuwait, with direct investments totaling approximately KD 488 million.

“Dutch companies are active in oil-related industries, logistics, IT, agribusiness, and infrastructure including Kuwait’s airport project. We also hope to see more Dutch involvement in Kuwait’s domestic investment plans.”

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached €2.4 billion, with Dutch exports to Kuwait at €845 million, primarily in agricultural products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and livestock. Imports, mainly crude oil, amounted to €1.6 billion.

He noted that the Netherlands see interest from Kuwaiti families in sectors such as health and education, though student numbers remain modest due to language and system differences.

On defense cooperation, the ambassador noted that the Kuwaiti Navy trains occasionally in the Netherlands, and there have been senior-level visits, including the Undersecretary of Defense visiting two years ago.

In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchange, approximately 14,000 Kuwaiti visitors travel to the Netherlands annually, a number that remains stable. “We know Kuwaitis enjoy our weather and appreciate what the Netherlands offers, from museums to heritage sites. It’s a convenient and enriching travel destination,” he said.

The ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing to capitalize on Kuwait’s new economic vision. “There’s a lot of potential with Kuwait’s current investment push. My successor will find fertile ground to strengthen Dutch-Kuwaiti business ties.”

He also spoke warmly of Kuwaiti traditions, particularly the concept of the diwaniya. “The diwaniya is a beautiful tradition. The open-door hospitality inspired me and my wife to consider introducing a version of it in our town in the Netherlands,” he said. The ambassador announced that his successor will arrive in early September. “He’s a career diplomat with experience in the region. He has Indian roots. Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, he brings a diverse and international perspective. I’m confident he’ll continue strengthening our bilateral ties.”

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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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