High‑level UAE–Kuwait meeting reaffirms fraternal ties

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has chaired the sixth session of the UAE-Kuwait Joint Higher Committee during a working visit to Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti side was chaired by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was held as the UAE marks its deep‑rooted fraternal ties with Kuwait, with a week‑long celebration across all emirates beginning Thurday under the theme 'UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever'.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed described UAE-Kuwait relations as an exceptional model of fraternity, cooperation and goodwill, rooted in shared history and enduring humanitarian ties established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah.

He noted that these relations continue to grow under the leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al‑Ahmad Al‑Jaber Al‑Sabah, Emir of Kuwait.

Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the strength of economic ties between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade reached a record high in 2024, exceeding $13.5 billion.

He said the UAE is Kuwait’s leading trade partner among Gulf and Arab countries and its second‑largest globally, accounting for two‑thirds of Kuwait’s trade with GCC states. The UAE is also the top destination for Kuwait’s non‑oil exports.

In the health sector, Sheikh Abdullah pointed to ongoing cooperation since 2021, including organ transplant exchanges that have resulted in more than 150 transplants for Kuwaiti patients, reflecting a high level of coordination between the two countries.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in expanded cooperation in future‑focused sectors such as industry, renewable energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

He also highlighted long‑standing educational and cultural ties, recalling Kuwait’s early support for the UAE and stressing that these historic contributions remain deeply appreciated.

Sheikh Abdullah thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for the warm reception and generous hospitality, wishing continued security, prosperity and progress for Kuwait and its people.

Following the meeting, both sides witnessed the signing of five memoranda of understanding and executive programmes, covering areas including consumer protection, tourism cooperation, standardisation, anti‑corruption efforts, and public sector oversight and auditing.