British Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Qudsi Rasheed reaffirmed on Tuesday his country’s unwavering commitment to Kuwait’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing more than 125 years of bilateral ties as a strong strategic partnership built on mutual trust and close cooperation.
In an interview with KUNA, Ambassador Rasheed said Kuwait remained one of the UK’s oldest and most important partners in the Gulf, with cooperation spanning defense, security, trade, investment, healthcare, education, energy, culture and innovation.
He said defense ties remained a key pillar of the relationship, rooted in the two countries’ cooperation during Kuwait’s liberation in 1991. Current collaboration includes military training and education, defense capabilities, counter-drone expertise and coordination between security institutions.
Ambassador Rasheed stressed that Britain had continued to work closely with Kuwait and other Gulf partners amid recent regional tensions, supporting stability, freedom of navigation and the security of its partners. He also praised Kuwait’s role in promoting regional stability through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation.
Looking ahead, he said the two countries aimed to expand cooperation in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, clean energy, artificial intelligence, digital services, healthcare, higher education and financial services.
British companies continue to contribute to Kuwait’s development goals under New Kuwait Vision 2035, while Kuwait remained an important source of investment for the UK. The British envoy described the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between the UK and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, announced on May 20, 2026, as an important step toward reducing trade barriers, improving market access and expanding opportunities for businesses and investors.
He added that the Kuwait-UK Strategic Dialogue and regular high-level meetings would continue to provide a framework for advancing cooperation and building a modern, forward-looking partnership that delivers lasting benefits to both countries.