Saudi-Kuwaiti Relations Firmly Established, Shaped by Founding Fathers

Over the course of more than 130 years, Saudi-Kuwaiti relations have solidified (SPA)
Over the course of more than 130 years, Saudi-Kuwaiti relations have solidified (SPA)
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Saudi-Kuwaiti Relations Firmly Established, Shaped by Founding Fathers

Over the course of more than 130 years, Saudi-Kuwaiti relations have solidified (SPA)
Over the course of more than 130 years, Saudi-Kuwaiti relations have solidified (SPA)

For over 130 years, the Saudi-Kuwaiti relations have solidified, intertwining the two nations with a close historical bond characterized by a distinctive nature.

These ties are built upon deep-rooted foundations forged by shared commonalities and historical stances that have been shaped over decades.

Relations between the two Gulf nations are distinguished by their profound historical depth and shared characteristics.

The founding fathers of both nations laid principles that had a significant impact on shaping the Saudi-Kuwaiti political approach.

The historical depth of the Saudi-Kuwaiti relations can be traced back to 1891 when Imam Abdul Rahman Al Faisal Al Saud and his son King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman (may they rest in peace) visited Kuwait.

This visit occurred just before King Abdulaziz reclaimed Riyadh in 1902.

The significance of Saudi-Kuwaiti relations transcends the conventional bounds of international relations between two neighboring countries linked by geographical proximity.

Instead, these ties embrace the concept of “brotherhood, familial bonds, and a shared destiny towards any issues affecting the two nations and the Gulf region as a whole.”

The robust bond between Imam Abdul Rahman Al Faisal and Kuwait’s Sheikh Mubarak Sabah, also known as Mubarak “the Great,” strengthened Saudi-Kuwaiti relations, particularly after Saudi Arabia’s unification under King Abdulaziz.

King Abdulaziz, following in his father’s footsteps, looked to enhance fraternal ties with Kuwait, focusing on political, economic, and cultural development.

Commitment to diverse forms of cooperation with Kuwait endured through the reigns of King Abdulaziz’s successors.

While deep-rooted relations date back to the founding of both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait’s invasion in the 1990s underscored the shared destiny binding the two nations.

Saudi Arabia provided a unique model in international relations when it devoted all resources to rallying the world for the liberation of Kuwait.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait signed the establishment of the “Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council,” an entity encompassing all areas of cooperation and joint efforts between the two countries.

The body aims to translate the strong relations between the two nations into integration, working towards achieving the security, prosperity, and happiness of both peoples.

Established in July 2018, the council seeks to develop a common vision that deepens and sustains the relations between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, aligning with the goals of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

It also aims to enhance the integrated economic system, find innovative solutions for optimal utilization of current resources, and build an effective and comprehensive educational system based on the strengths of both nations.

Beyond strengthening cooperation and integration between Riyadh and Kuwait in political, security, and military realms, the council works to ensure the effective implementation of collaboration and partnership opportunities.



Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Qatari Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Qatari Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed bilateral relations, areas of cooperation and ways to strengthen and develop them in line with the aspirations of the two countries’ leaderships and peoples.

The two ministers discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, contain their repercussions and safeguard regional security and stability. They underscored the importance of continued coordination and consultation, as well as aligning positions on current developments to bolster efforts to promote security and stability across the region.

They affirmed their support for Qatari and Pakistani mediation efforts and the role they play in advancing dispute settlement through diplomatic means. They also stressed the need to continue joint efforts to ensure security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the region's vital maritime corridors.


Qatari Prime Minister Arrives in Riyadh

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Qatari Prime Minister Arrives in Riyadh

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is welcomed upon his arrival in Riyadh. (SPA)

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday.

He was received by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji at King Khalid International Airport.


UAE Halts All Trade, Financial Dealings with Iran after Attack

Tuesday's announcement is the latest measure against Iran by the UAE after it recalled its ambassador early in the conflict. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tuesday's announcement is the latest measure against Iran by the UAE after it recalled its ambassador early in the conflict. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Halts All Trade, Financial Dealings with Iran after Attack

Tuesday's announcement is the latest measure against Iran by the UAE after it recalled its ambassador early in the conflict. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tuesday's announcement is the latest measure against Iran by the UAE after it recalled its ambassador early in the conflict. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The United Arab Emirates has said it is suspending all trade and financial dealings with Iran after reporting an Iranian missile attack directed at its ships.

The announcement comes after a period of relative calm in the UAE, with no Iranian missiles aimed at the country since May after it bore the brunt of attacks in the early weeks of the Middle East war.

Abu Dhabi has however accused Tehran of repeatedly targeting its tankers at sea in recent weeks.

"In light of regional escalations... all trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran have been halted until further notice," said UAE foreign ministry communications director Afra Al Hameli.

The UAE is home to a sizeable Iranian community and has been a major trading partner for US-sanctioned Iran, at least before the war.

Tuesday's announcement is the latest measure against Iran by the UAE after it recalled its ambassador early in the conflict.

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Abu Dhabi on Tuesday accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles towards the country, the first such attack since May.

It later said the salvo was directed at shipping, but Tehran denied firing missiles at the UAE.

"UAE air defenses detected two ballistic missiles launched from Iran towards the country, with the first falling outside the country's territorial waters, while the second fell within the territorial waters," the UAE ministry said in a statement posted to social media.

A second statement released later said the missiles "were targeting maritime navigation and fell into the sea".

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei "categorically rejected the United Arab Emirates' claim that Iran had launched a missile towards that country", calling it harmful to regional trust and security efforts.

The first UAE statement came nearly two hours after a phone alert that warned residents of a "potential missile threat".

It was the first such alert since a false alarm in June and an alert in July for an attack that ultimately did not enter UAE territory.

Before that, the last missile warning came in early May.

However, tankers belonging to the UAE's state-owned oil company ADNOC have been repeatedly targeted in the past few weeks.

When the Middle East war began on February 28, the UAE bore the brunt of Iran's attacks, with nearly 3,000 missiles and drones directed at the country -- more than anywhere else in the region.

After a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States came into effect in June, which has since collapsed, the UAE reported no attacks, unlike other Gulf states.