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.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.