The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kuwait, H.E. Anne Koistinen, recently presented her credentials to His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 15 November. In a media meeting held at the new EU premises in Kuwait’s Al-Hamra Tower, Ambassador Koistinen expressed her delight and honor in speaking with the Crown Prince and discussed ways to build on the strong partnership between the EU and Kuwait.
Ambassador Koistinen emphasized the mutual interests that exist between the EU and Kuwait, highlighting the intention to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors. These sectors include political cooperation, trade and investment, energy, climate change, economic diversification, education, health, research and innovation, as well as regional security and stability.
One area of shared belief between the EU and Kuwait is the importance of humanitarian aid in supporting vulnerable people in the region and beyond. Ambassador Koistinen praised Kuwait for its humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza, acknowledging the European Union as the largest international donor to the Palestinian people. She also highlighted the EU’s recent launch of a humanitarian air bridge, bringing over 550 tonnes of supplies to Gaza.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, Ambassador Koistinen echoed the EU’s call for a political solution based on the Two-State Solution. She emphasized that this objective aligns with Kuwait’s commitment, building on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. Expressing her condolences for the loss of civilian lives, Ambassador Koistinen expressed hope for eventual peace.
Highlighting the EU’s significance as Kuwait’s second biggest trading partner, Ambassador Koistinen stressed the need to further strengthen the partnership. She emphasized her mission to translate words into action, working in the spirit of “Team Europe” together with EU Member States.
Recognizing the benefits of a strengthened partnership, Ambassador Koistinen pointed out that the EU is the world’s largest single market, a leader in research and innovation, an important security actor in the Gulf region, and a leading actor in global challenges such as climate change and digitalization.
Another area of cooperation between the EU and Kuwait is inter-cultural cooperation, mobility for youth and students, higher education cooperation, and exchanges. These initiatives aim to improve mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the EU and Kuwait. The EU envoy also expressed her interest in discussing women’s empowerment in close cooperation with the government, civil society, and the private sector.
Ambassador Koistinen highlighted the importance of facilitating travel as a means to enhance people-to-people contacts, which is one of the pillars of the EU Strategy towards the Gulf. She expressed her delight when the European Commission adopted more favorable rules on issuing Schengen multiple entry visas to Kuwaiti nationals, which will further facilitate travel between the EU and Kuwait.
In conclusion, Ambassador Koistinen’s appointment as the new EU Ambassador to Kuwait signifies the commitment to building a stronger partnership between the EU and Kuwait. With a focus on various sectors of cooperation, including humanitarian aid, political solutions, trade, and cultural exchanges, both the EU and Kuwait stand to benefit from a deepened relationship.
Source: New EU Ambassador aims to build stronger partnership with Kuwait
