UAE And Kuwait Sign Eight MoUs To Bolster Bilateral Cooperation

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, chaired the fifth session of the UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee in Abu Dhabi. Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, led his country's delegation. The meeting saw participation from several senior officials from both nations.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister. He emphasised that the fifth session reflects the deep fraternal ties between the two countries, established by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan alongside late Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

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Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that UAE-Kuwait relations are distinguished by social and cultural bonds. These include ties of brotherhood, shared heritage, history, and common values. "We will continue to strengthen and build upon these bonds to achieve further mutual progress and prosperity in various fields," he added.

The UAE has always viewed Kuwait as a strategic partner in all fields. This partnership is seen as an integral part of the progress and prosperity journey in the Arabian Gulf and the region as a whole. His Highness noted that bilateral non-oil trade has grown significantly in recent years, reaching over $12 billion in 2023.

Sheikh Abdullah expressed eagerness to expand partnerships with Kuwait in sectors such as industry, trade, renewable energy, transportation, and infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of cooperation within international organisations and multilateral platforms.

"The UAE reaffirms its supportive stance regarding the Al-Durra Field," said Sheikh Abdullah. He stated that natural resources in the divided submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone are exclusively owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Memorandums of Understanding

The two top diplomats signed minutes of the fifth session of the Joint Higher Committee after their bilateral meeting. Sheikh Abdullah also witnessed the signing of eight MoUs and Executive Programmes between both countries.

The MoUs include cooperation in infrastructure, standardisation activities, telecommunications, information technology, education for 2024–2027, sports for 2024–2026, cultural cooperation for 2024–2026, cybersecurity, and defence procurement.

An MoU on infrastructure was signed by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. Another on standardisation activities was signed by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

Further Discussions

Prior to the Joint Higher Committee's session commencement, Sheikh Abdullah met with the Kuwaiti foreign minister to discuss strengthening fraternal relations further. They exchanged views on various issues of common interest.

Sheikh Abdullah hosted a dinner honouring the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and his delegation after their discussions. The event aimed at fostering closer ties between both nations' officials.

"With determination and resolve," said His Highness, "we continue today to further cement cooperation under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership." He acknowledged His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's role as Emir of Kuwait in this journey.

In conclusion, His Highness thanked all participants in the Committee meeting. He wished a pleasant stay for the Kuwaiti Top Diplomat and his accompanying delegation during their time in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM