Kuwait, UK Sign Investment Partnership Deal

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend the signing ceremony of the investment partnership MoU between Kuwait and the UK at the 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend the signing ceremony of the investment partnership MoU between Kuwait and the UK at the 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday. (KUNA)
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Kuwait, UK Sign Investment Partnership Deal

Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend the signing ceremony of the investment partnership MoU between Kuwait and the UK at the 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday. (KUNA)
Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend the signing ceremony of the investment partnership MoU between Kuwait and the UK at the 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday. (KUNA)

Kuwait and Britain sealed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding on an investment partnership at 10 Downing Street in London.

The signing ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The Kuwaiti Crown Prince and the British PM also discussed regional and international developments.

The deal was co-signed by Kuwaiti Deputy Premier, Oil Minister, in addition to acting finance minister and State Minister for Economic and Investment Affairs Saad Al-Barak, alongside British Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade Lord Dominic Johnson.

Kuwait News Agency reported that the British PM received Sheikh Mishaal.

During the meeting, they discussed the distinguished relations between Kuwait and the United Kingdom in all fields, reflecting the depth of the strong historical relations between the two peoples and the two friendly countries, as well as several issues of common interest and the latest developments on the regional and international arenas.

Sunak expressed his happiness with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince’s visit, stressing the strength of the historical relations that extend for more than 100 years between the two friendly countries.

He further expressed his aspiration for more cooperation between Kuwait and the UK.

Moreover, the Crown Prince sponsors during his visit to the UK an event to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Kuwait Investment Office in London.

Regarding commercial exchanges, the historical records pointed out that commercial and business transactions date back over 200 years.

Kuwait is one of the largest investors in the UK, with the Gulf country establishing the Kuwait Investment Office in London in 1953.

Britain seeks to develop its trade with the Gulf countries. In June, the British government launched talks in Riyadh to reach a trade agreement with the Gulf countries. This deal would offer consumers in the GCC countries more British goods and services.

The total trade with the Gulf is GBP 33.1 billion.

On the military level, Kuwait and the UK share tight military ties.

In Feb. 1992, Kuwait and Britain signed an agreement after the liberation of Kuwait in which the UK would supply Kuwait with weapons as well as conduct military exercises.

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Britain Bader Al-Awadhi affirmed that the historic visit of the Crown Prince to Britain reflects the deep ties between the two countries.

"His Highness's visit will strengthen the existing relations between Kuwait and Britain and will open new horizons for cooperation in the economic, security, and cultural fields in a way that will reflect the reality of the strategic relations," he said.

Lord Mayor of London Nicholas Lyons said that the visit - which comes to mark the 70th anniversary of the Kuwait Investment Office in London - continued the tradition of strengthening ties between the UK and Kuwait.

The Kuwait Investment Office had invested in various sectors in the capital, London, indicated Lyons, adding that the long-term commitment on the Kuwaiti side towards doing business in the UK had reflected the vast investment opportunities within Britain.



Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished
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Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

Saudi Energy Ministry: East-West Pipeline Targeted, Limited Fire Extinguished

The Saudi Ministry of Energy said on Monday that a limited fire broke out at the East-West pipeline in Madinah following an attack.

Emergency teams successfully extinguished it without any injuries or fatalities.

An official source at the ministry said that "the pipeline's operational activities were unaffected," adding that "emergency teams and specialized technical crews immediately commenced their operations upon the occurrence of the targeting, taking all necessary procedures to secure the site and verify its safety in accordance with approved safety regulations and contingency plans."


Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Situation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
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Saudi, Omani FMs Discuss Regional Situation

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah arrives for the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris, Nov. 9, 2026. (AP)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held on Monday a phone call with his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on regional developments.

They stressed the need to continue diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis, safeguard maritime navigation and shipping routes, and limit the impact of these developments on regional security and stability.


Riyadh and Moscow Look to Shape a New Century of Cooperation, Coordination

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh in 2023 (SPA)
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Riyadh and Moscow Look to Shape a New Century of Cooperation, Coordination

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh in 2023 (SPA)

Experts and diplomats said the centennial of Saudi-Russian diplomatic relations offers an opportunity to assess the partnership's evolution, examine how the two countries have adapted to regional and international changes, and explore new areas of mutual interest.

Participants in a webinar titled "Saudi-Russian Relations: A Future Vision," organized Monday by the Riyadh-based Gulf Research Center (GRC), said coordination between Riyadh and Moscow has helped stabilize energy markets and enabled the two countries to manage shared interests despite differences over regional and international issues.

Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, said the centennial provides an opportunity to review the relationship's development and assess both countries' ability to respond to changing circumstances and capitalize on opportunities for cooperation.

He noted that reciprocal visits by the two countries' leaders and cooperation within OPEC+ have marked important milestones in the development of political and economic ties.

Sager said cooperation has continued despite the countries' differing alliances, citing the war in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia's consistent calls for a political settlement through dialogue.

He argued that their energy partnership extends beyond managing oil markets, demonstrating Riyadh and Moscow's ability to sustain economic cooperation despite political differences.

On regional issues, Sager said the two countries share positions on supporting a two-state solution, Red Sea security, and the protection of international shipping and trade.

However, he stressed the need for more candid dialogue on areas of disagreement, particularly Russia's relations with Iran.

He expressed hope that Moscow would use its influence with Tehran to encourage it to respect the sovereignty of regional states and act as a responsible member of the international community.

On the economic front, Sager said bilateral trade remains below the two countries' potential.

Citing official figures, he noted that Saudi imports from Russia exceeded SAR 12 billion, while Saudi exports to Russia amounted to no more than SAR 274 million.

He identified energy, investment, industry, mining, food security and tourism as promising areas for cooperation, calling for existing understandings to be translated into concrete projects and for a more balanced trade relationship.

Saudi Ambassador to Russia Sami Al-Sadhan said the presentation of a document of recognition to King Abdulaziz by Karim Khakimov in 1926 marked the historic beginning of bilateral relations, with the Soviet Union becoming the first country to recognize the Kingdom.

He highlighted several important milestones in the relationship, including high-level visits, most notably those by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince to Russia in 2017.

Al-Sadhan said the visits focused on deepening the partnership in areas including OPEC+ cooperation, technology, investment and cultural exchange.

He also pointed to growing ties across several sectors, the launch of direct flights between the two countries, and the entry into force of a mutual visa-waiver agreement on May 11, 2026.

The ambassador said the achievements of the past century provide a foundation for strengthening mutual trust and expanding cooperation over the next 100 years.

For his part, Aslan Aziev, senior counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Riyadh, said the political dialogue initiated by the two countries' leaders forms the foundation of their partnership strategy.

He noted that Saudi Arabia and Russia, as major oil producers and leading members of OPEC+, play an important role in supporting the stability of oil markets and the broader energy sector.

Aziyev said bilateral engagement has expanded to industry, agriculture, investment, digitalization and trade.

He cited the participation of 70 Russian companies and 170 Saudi companies in an industrial exhibition held in Riyadh in 2026, as well as Saudi Arabia's designation as guest of honor at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

On regional affairs, Aziyev said Moscow and Riyadh maintain dialogue on security and stability, adding that the Gulf is a priority in Russian foreign policy.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue and mutual respect would continue to strengthen trust between the two countries despite their differences.

Former Saudi ambassador and minister Abdulaziz Khoja recalled his diplomatic experience in Moscow, saying he was appointed the Kingdom's first ambassador to the Soviet Union after a decades-long break in relations.

Khoja said he arrived in Moscow as the Soviet Union was disintegrating and recalled that President Boris Yeltsin welcomed him and ordered officials to facilitate the opening of the Saudi Embassy and provide the necessary support for its staff.

He described the task of restoring momentum to bilateral relations as an immense responsibility during a particularly difficult period in Russia's history.