Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Means to Ensure Security, Stability Across Region

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Kuwait on Sunday. (Egyptian government)
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Kuwait on Sunday. (Egyptian government)
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Egypt, Kuwait Agree on Means to Ensure Security, Stability Across Region

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Kuwait on Sunday. (Egyptian government)
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in Kuwait on Sunday. (Egyptian government)

Egypt and Kuwait agreed on Sunday on means to ensure security and stability across all Arab countries.

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly at in Kuwait to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Madbouly handed Sheikh Meshel an invitation from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the Arab summit in Cairo on March 4.

Sheikh Meshal said Kuwait and Egypt share similar views on regional security and stability, emphasizing that Egypt’s stability directly impacts Kuwait’s.

He noted that all support Kuwait extends to Egypt ultimately serves the interests of both nations. He has instructed his government to boost cooperation with Egypt in key areas, including increasing Kuwaiti investments in the country.

For his part, Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Kuwaiti investors and fostering a favorable business environment despite regional challenges. He also expressed Cairo’s gratitude for Kuwait’s longstanding support and its reform efforts.

Madbouly also met with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah for talks on enhancing bilateral cooperation.

The crown prince praised Egypt’s leadership in wisely addressing Arab issues and its contributions through initiatives that bring the Arab nation together despite ongoing regional challenges.

Moreover, he highlighted the numerous bilateral agreements between Egypt and Kuwait in various fields.

He stressed the importance of reaching a unified Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction at the upcoming Arab summit, urging coordination to serve the best interests of Arab nations.

Egypt will host an emergency Arab summit on March 4 to discuss plans to rebuild the Gaza Strip without displacing its Palestinian inhabitants. The summit follows a proposal by US President Donald Trump to take over Gaza and resettle its Palestinian inhabitants to develop it into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

During his meetings, Madbouly stressed Egypt’s commitment to supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He reiterated Cairo's stance on the urgency of rebuilding Gaza without deporting the Palestinians. Moreover, the PM emphasized the importance of a unified Arab stance that would ensure security and stability are established across all Arab countries and end the ongoing regional crises.

Also on Sunday, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and Madbouly held official talks aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Sheikh Ahmad stressed the importance of increasing trade exchange to reflect the strong political ties between the two countries and expressed interest in expanding Kuwaiti banking and investment activities in Egypt.

In return, Madbouly outlined Egypt’s economic reform efforts aimed at improving the investment climate and attracting more foreign direct investment.

Egypt’s economic strategy prioritizes private sector participation, with a target of increasing private investments to 65% of total investments, up from the current 60%, he revealed.

He underscored his country’s efforts to streamline investment procedures, including the introduction of the “Golden License,” issued directly by the Cabinet to facilitate priority projects.

Madbouly addressed the impact of regional crises on Egypt’s economy, particularly on Suez Canal revenues, which have been significantly affected.

He also called for the swift convening of the Egypt-Kuwait Joint Business Council to boost private sector collaboration.

Developments in the Red Sea and regional crises have cost Egypt around $7 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal in 2024, Sisi had previously revealed.



US Affirms Partnership with Riyadh is at its Strongest Level

Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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US Affirms Partnership with Riyadh is at its Strongest Level

Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Alison Dilworth, Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, shakes hands with a participant from the United States at the exhibition (Asharq Al-Awsat)

US Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia, Alison Dilworth, said Sunday that the World Defense Show currently being held in Riyadh reflects the strongest manifestation of the bilateral partnership between the United States and the Kingdom, affirming that relations between the two countries “have never been stronger than they are today.”

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the Show, Dilworth said the strong US participation in the exhibition clearly demonstrates the strength of cooperation between Washington and Riyadh. She pointed out that the partnership has witnessed sustained and strengthening growth in recent years.

Dilworth added that the Show brings together major global names in defense and aviation, such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin, alongside small and medium-sized US companies working in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced defense systems, reflecting the diversity of American participation and the broad scope of technical and industrial cooperation.

She highlighted that US companies aim to grow with Saudi partners, supporting the Kingdom’s security and prosperity in line with Vision 2030.

On the Saudi-US political momentum that has strengthened bilateral relations in recent years, Dilworth said that 2025 saw what she described as a “historic” visit by US President Donald Trump to the Kingdom, followed by a visit by the Saudi Crown Prince to Washington in November.

The two visits resulted in the signing of 23 agreements which she described as “pivotal achievements” in the trajectory of US-Saudi cooperation.

Regarding the military displays at the exhibition, the diplomat highlighted that the F-35 and the scheduled aerial demonstrations underscore the US commitment as a long-term partner to Saudi Arabia.

 

 

 


World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
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World Defense Show in Riyadh Witnesses Signing of Important Agreements

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA
Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signs an agreement with his Slovakian counterpart. SPA

Saudi Minister of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated in Riyadh the third edition of the World Defense Show, organized by GAMI until February 12.

At the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Group pavilion, the Defense Minister launched on Sunday SAMI Land Company, SAMI Autonomous Company, SAMI Land Industrial Complex, and the HEET Program.

He also unveiled the SAMI Local Content Program (RUKN), the group's flagship supply chain program.

Prince Khalid and his South Korean counterpart witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Saudi General Authority for Defense Development and the Korean Agency for Defense Development.

The agreement focuses on defense research, development, and innovation in advanced military technologies and systems.

The Saudi Defense Minister also signed three defense cooperation agreements with Slovakia, Malaysia, and Somalia.

Furthermore, the National Industrial Development Center signed a cooperation memorandum with European aerospace corporation Airbus to explore opportunities for developing and localizing the aviation and helicopter industry in Saudi Arabia.

Under the memorandum, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration to establish an integrated aviation industrial base in the Kingdom. They will study the creation of an engineering center to develop national capabilities in manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and repair, alongside a supporting logistics network.

The agreement also covers technology and knowledge transfer, encouraging global suppliers to invest in Saudi Arabia, and developing Saudi talent through educational and training partnerships with domestic institutions. It includes coordination with relevant authorities to examine procurement options, support the shift toward exports, and explore incentives and financing mechanisms to enhance project readiness and competitiveness.

GE Aerospace and the Middle East Propulsion Company Ltd. (MEPC) announced signing three new agreements to enhance operational readiness for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F110 fleet and build in-country capabilities.

Leveraging their decade-old partnership, are focused on the RSAF’s F110-129 engines and will also support F110-129 customers across the broader region.

These agreements represent Phase 3 of a long-term initiative, building on the success of similar Phase 1 and 2 agreements, which saw GE Aerospace providing repair and overhaul services support to MEPC.

The agreements seek to ensure sustained material supply and comprehensive maintenance and repair services support for the RSAF F110 Engine Structural Integrity Program (ENSIP).

They highlight the shared vision of both companies to advance the safety, efficiency, and operational excellence of defense aircraft in the wider Middle East.

MEPC Managing Director Mohammed Alnawkhani said: “These agreements represent the next phase of our strategic partnership with GE Aerospace and a major step forward in enhancing readiness for the RSAF F110 fleet.”

“Together, we are expanding in-Kingdom F110-129 sustainment capabilities, ensuring long-term material availability, and delivering the high standards of safety and performance required by our customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”

“This milestone also strengthens localization efforts in support of Saudi Vision 2030, contributing to national industrial development and building sovereign aerospace sustainment capabilities,” he added.

Salim Mousallam, Vice President, Defense & Systems for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye at GE Aerospace said that the enduring partnership with MEPC is a testament to the company’s shared vision of enhancing in-country capabilities and ensuring peak operational readiness through maximized availability for its customers.

“These agreements will significantly increase engine availability, streamline MRO processes, and directly support the RSAF’s critical missions. As a trusted partner to the Kingdom, we are proud to provide high-quality services to MEPC, reducing maintenance burden and service disruptions for their mission-critical F110 fleet,” he said.

Under the F110-129 Material Support Agreement, GE Aerospace will provide essential ENSIP Kits (F110-129 parts) to support MEPC in performing the necessary overhaul of RSAF F110-129 engines within the Kingdom.

The F110-129 repair and overhaul agreement further solidifies the provision of comprehensive repair and overhaul services specifically for the Royal Saudi Air Force fleet. GE Aerospace also signed a new F110-129 services agreement to extend critical repair and overhaul capabilities to support other F110 customers across the region.


Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
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Kuwait Includes 8 Lebanese Hospitals on 'Terror' List

Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA
Kuwait indicated that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.” KUNA

Kuwait's foreign ministry issued on Sunday a circular indicating that it had listed eight hospitals in Lebanon as part of regulations related to "combating terrorism.”

Lebanon's health ministry expressed surprise and said it would seek clarification.

It said it received the Kuwaiti statement "with great surprise", adding it had not been provided with "any information or notification from any Kuwaiti entity about this matter.”

"The hospitals mentioned in the statement are registered with the syndicate of private hospitals in Lebanon and carry out their role in providing treatment and health services to all Lebanese without exception," the ministry statement said.

It called the facilities "an essential part of the Lebanese health system,” and said it would contact the relevant authorities to request clarification and "protect Lebanon's health system.”

It noted that "Kuwait has numerous joint projects with the ministry... and has been among the most prominent countries that have stood by the health system during the successive crises that Lebanon has faced.”

The latest move was "unprecedented and inconsistent" with the Gulf country's usual approach, it added.