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.