Press release

UK and Kuwait agree to strengthen co-operation

Minister James Cleverly and the Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister led discussions at the 17th UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group today (22 September 2021) in London.

The United Kingdom and Kuwait will increase cooperation on cyber-security, trade, education, and development following the signing of a new action plan at the 17th UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group in London today.

UK Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly and Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majdi Al Dhafiri led the discussions today at Lancaster House and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The action plan allows the UK and Kuwait to restart joint military training in 2022, including Exercise Desert Warrior. Ministers also discussed plans for Kuwaiti officials to meet experts from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre later this month.

On trade, the Ministers agreed to work together to create a virtual and physical UK-Kuwait trade event at the UK Pavilion at ExpoDubai2020.

The British Council and the Kuwaiti National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature (NCCAL) agreed to implement a roadmap to boost Kuwait’s creative economy.

Minister for the Middle East, James Cleverly, said:

The breadth of today’s discussions demonstrated the UK and Kuwait’s long-standing partnership, including trade, technology, security and military training.

The Joint Steering Group ensures that our two countries are prepared to tackle any shared future challenges, and benefit from emerging opportunities, together.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, thanked all the participating Kuwaiti government ministries for their cooperation.

Background

The UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group takes place twice a year and underlines the two countries’ commitment to working together across a wide range of shared priorities.

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Published 22 September 2021