In a move reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the two brotherly countries, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, received his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Minister of Defense, in Riyadh. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations, particularly in the defense and military fields, and to review the latest regional and international developments.
Historical background of long-standing relations
These talks are a continuation of a long history of cooperation and coordination between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait, two founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This relationship is based on deep-rooted fraternal ties and a shared destiny, which was most clearly demonstrated during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The Kingdom played a pivotal role in mobilizing international support and leading the coalition forces to liberate Kuwait, a historic stance that remains a cornerstone of the defense alliance between the two countries. Since then, military cooperation has continued through joint exercises and the exchange of expertise within the framework of the Peninsula Shield Force and its joint forces, with the aim of enhancing combat readiness and achieving defense integration to confront any potential threats.
The importance of the meeting in light of regional challenges
This meeting is of particular importance given the tensions in the region. The meeting included a comprehensive review of regional developments and joint efforts to enhance security and stability. Saudi-Kuwaiti coordination is a cornerstone of Gulf security, especially concerning the protection of vital waterways, combating terrorism, and countering foreign interference aimed at destabilizing the region. The unified vision and positions of Riyadh and Kuwait send a clear message about the cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council and its ability to effectively address various challenges, thus contributing to the protection of the national interests of both countries and the collective interests of the GCC states.
Prospects for future cooperation
In addition to discussing current developments, the meeting addressed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, including military industries and technology transfer and localization, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and Kuwait's Vision 2035, which aim to build advanced and sustainable national defense capabilities. This cooperation is expected to contribute to enhancing the two countries' self-sufficiency in the defense sector and strengthening their ability to meet future challenges.
The meeting was attended on the Saudi side by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, Deputy Minister of Defense; His Excellency Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of the General Staff; and Mr. Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Advisor to His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs. On the Kuwaiti side, it was attended by Sheikh Athbi Nasser Al-Athbi Al-Sabah, Governor of Al-Farwaniyah Governorate; Sheikh Sabah Bader Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Governor of Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate and Acting Governor of Hawalli Governorate; and a number of senior officials.
