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.



Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing regional tensions and preventing renewed conflict through comprehensive, sustainable diplomatic solutions addressing the sources of instability in the Middle East.

“Diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful means remain our priorities,” Prince Faisal declared during the third Saudi-Japanese Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal highlighted the decades-long relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan, built on mutual trust and respect, and identified maritime security as a key shared priority.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways in accordance with international law, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and other maritime passages must remain open, secure and free from threats.

The Saudi minister described Japan as an important economic partner and noted that Riyadh sought to expand cooperation in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, defense and technology, as well as the exchange of expertise and capabilities.

He reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would remain a reliable partner for Japan, including in energy, while praising Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen economic resilience and stabilize global energy markets and trade.

Ahead of his visit to Riyadh and Muscat, Motegi noted that Saudi Arabia was playing a mediating role in talks between the United States and Iran and had seen its international influence expand significantly in recent years.

He pledged to deepen cooperation with the Kingdom as a strategic partner, particularly in ensuring stable energy supplies.

Toshihiro Kitamura, Japan’s assistant foreign minister and ministry spokesman, told Asharq Al-Awsat that cooperation between Riyadh and Tokyo was “strategic and encompasses all fields,” adding that future defense cooperation was possible.

Speaking at a news conference in Riyadh, Kitamura explained that Japan wanted to hear Saudi Arabia’s assessment of regional developments and strengthen coordination with Riyadh and Oman in support of peace and stability, particularly regarding Iran.

He noted that more than 95% of Japan’s crude oil imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its importance to global trade and the world economy.

Kitamura also expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks in Bab al-Mandab and indicated that Japan aimed to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond oil under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 framework, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.


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.