The European Union has described Kuwait “as the most like-minded partners” in the wider region after the first visit of EU High Representative Josep Borrell to the Gulf state.
“For the European Union, Kuwait stands out as a close and reliable friend, and one of the most like-minded partners in the wider region,” said Borrell after his meeting with top Kuwaiti government officials, yesterday.
In a statement, Borrell said he visited Kuwait to further develop the bilateral partnership between the EU and Kuwait, and to discuss regional consequences of Russia?’s aggression against Ukraine.
He also discussed possibilities to enhance the regional cooperation between the EU and the Gulf, and engage in joint efforts to tackle global challenges such as climate change and green energy transition.
“To further enhance our partnership we have identified cooperation on health, food security, education, digital and green transition as our priorities for the upcoming period,” said the EU?’s top diplomat, who met with His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah.
“The ongoing energy diversification and transition to renewable energy sources, coupled with recent efforts to terminate our dependency on Russia, create a new momentum and open up a new space for our cooperation with Kuwait,” he stressed and recalled that Kuwait also plays an important role in stabilizing the international oil market.
Earlier this month, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sponsored ceremonial completion of state refiner, Kuwait National Petroleum Company’s (KNPC) multi-billion dollar clean fuels project.
In the context of the “Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Borrell appreciated Kuwait?’s principled stance in its reactions and voting on the United Nations Resolutions condemning it and calling for its immediate halt.” “The current situation makes our partnership with the Gulf even more relevant,” stated Borrell, stressing the need for more international unity in clearly rejecting any aggression and war.
In his discussions with Kuwaiti senior officials the EU High Representative said he raised also regional issues and challenges such as nuclear talks with Iran and humanitarian needs stemming from ongoing crises in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan.
Both sides assessed prospects of the Middle East Peace Process, reaffirmed commitment to the two-states solution and continued support for Palestinian people
Source: Kuwait News Agency