Visa waiver for Kuwaitis is a top EU priority

Arab Times

6 days ago

KUWAIT CITY, July 19: European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kuwait Anne Koistinen said the relationship between Kuwait and the EU witnessed remarkable development in recent years; stressing this relationship is based on the foundations of friendship, mutual understanding and shared values including peace, diplomacy and international cooperation. In an interview with the newspaper, Koistinen affirmed that Kuwait is a reliable partner of the EU; and that the relationship between the two sides is distinguished by its diversity and breadth of areas covered – from politics and economics to education, energy and security.
She highlighted the depth of these relations and the great potential for developing bilateral cooperation in a number of strategic areas, particularly renewable energy, digital innovation, and maritime security. She disclosed that the goal for the next phase is to transform visions into realistic initiatives that result in cooperation in serving the interests of both parties. She stressed that the EU positively views the efforts of Kuwait to promote regional and international dialogue, specifically under its current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
She said, 'Kuwait is a key partner in supporting peace and humanitarian action, and in building bridges of dialogue and understanding between Europe and the region. We are preparing to hold a series of high-level meetings in the coming period, within the framework of strengthening the strategic partnership between the EU and the Gulf.' She stressed the importance of the upcoming 29th EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting, which will be held in Kuwait in October, as it will tackle issues that are considered regional priorities and are withing the geopolitical context. She revealed that 'Kuwait will host the EU-GCC Business Forum later this year, which will provide companies with the opportunity to build cooperative networks with their European counterparts.
She also touched on the important role that the EU plays in facilitating visa requirements for Kuwaiti citizens and efforts to achieve full Schengen visa exemption, based on the special and distinguished relations between the two parties. She talked about the support of EU for educational exchange programs for Kuwaiti students and efforts to strengthen cultural and artistic partnerships.
The following are excerpts of the interview:
Question: How do you assess the current level of relations between Kuwait and the EU? What are the most important areas in which Kuwaiti cooperation with the EU can develop in the future?
Answer: Bilateral relations between the EU and Kuwait are excellent. We enjoy a strong and long-standing friendship based on shared values. Kuwait is considered a close and reliable partner in Europe's eyes. There is tremendous potential to develop our relations. There is much we can accomplish together at the bilateral and regional levels. The European Union views Kuwait as a partner with a shared vision regarding regional issues, particularly the humanitarian issues, the call for peace and diplomacy. The European Union is Kuwait's second-largest trading partner, but we can still do more. My goal is to turn these words into action by working collectively and in cooperation with EU member states.
Q: What is new regarding Schengen visa regulations and visa exemptions for Kuwaitis?
A: Tens of thousands of Kuwaitis visit Europe annually. In recognition of this special relationship, the European Union implemented more lenient Schengen visa rules for Kuwaiti citizens in 2023; granting them multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Visa exemption for Kuwaitis remains one of my primary goals.
Q: How do you view the humanitarian role that Kuwait plays globally, especially in light of its partnership with the European Union?
A: Both the European Union and Kuwait are major humanitarian actors supporting the most vulnerable groups around the world, in cooperation with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Earlier this year, Director General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations at the European Commission Maciej Popowski visited Kuwait. During his meeting with Kuwaiti officials, the two parties agreed to continue cooperation during humanitarian crises and strengthen multilateral action.
Q: Do you see opportunities for new trade or economic agreements between Kuwait and the European Union?
A: The European Union is looking forward to strengthening its economic and trade partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait. During the first EU-GCC Summit last year, the leaders of the 27 EU member states and the six GCC member states affirmed their shared interest in establishing trade relations. A thriving and mutually beneficial investment relationship is developed through multilateral frameworks as needed. In this context, the European Union launched the European Chamber of Commerce in the Gulf last year, headquartered in Riyadh. This chamber serves as a platform for enhancing trade cooperation and promoting investment and trade exchange between the EU and the Gulf countries, including Kuwait. Kuwait is expected to host the EU-GCC Business Forum later this year, which will provide Kuwaiti companies with the opportunity to build cooperative networks with their European counterparts.
Q: How do you describe current cooperation between the GCC and the EU, including security and intelligence cooperation?
A: Cooperation between the EU and the GCC, including Kuwait, has witnessed significant development and expansion in several areas like economics, politics and security. Both parties recognize the strategic importance of cooperation in addressing common challenges, such as trade, energy sustainability, regional stability and security concerns. On the security and intelligence cooperation front, the two sides expressed a shared interest in strengthening their partnership; driven by a desire to ensure regional stability, combat terrorism and address cross-border challenges like cybercrime, arms proliferation and human trafficking. Several practical initiatives and dialogue mechanisms have been launched to support this cooperation, including the EU-GCC High-Level Regional Security Dialogue, which was held for the first time last year in Riyadh and is scheduled to be held again this year in Brussels. As part of joint efforts to address security challenges and promote regional stability, the European Union launched the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES naval operation to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf, including vessels using Kuwaiti ports. The mission of this operation, within its defense mandate, is to enhance maritime awareness, escort ships, and protect them from potential attacks at sea.
Q: What are the most prominent issues that will be discussed at the upcoming ministerial meeting between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Kuwait in October? What are the expected challenges at this meeting, especially in light of current regional and international tensions? How can it contribute to strengthening overall cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries?
A: The agenda for the next ministerial meeting between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), scheduled to be held in Kuwait in October, is still being prepared. I expect the meeting to tackle several vital issues that are considered regional priorities and the broader geopolitical context. This meeting will build on the success of the first EUGCC summit held in Brussels last October. During that historic summit, leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment relations, cooperate in the fields of energy and green transition, expand cooperation in the fields of digitalization and innovation like artificial intelligence, strengthen people-to-people ties, and expansion of academic and research partnerships. Security discussions also touched on issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, the two-state solution, Lebanon, Iran, and maritime security in the Red Sea. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen security cooperation and combat terrorism.
Q: What is your assessment of the future of the Gulf-EU Free Trade Agreement?
A: The European Union believes that fair trade is a key driver of global prosperity. The EU-GCC Summit last October affirmed the shared goal of establishing a prosperous and mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. We intend to continue discussions at the regional level to reach a free trade agreement between the EU and the GCC. At the same time, the EU is open to strengthening its bilateral relations with the GCC countries, including Kuwait, and elevating our strategic partnerships to new levels.
Q: How do you view Kuwait's role in promoting dialogue between the Gulf countries and the European Union?
A: As the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait plays a key role in advancing our strategic partnership, building on the first EU-GCC Summit held in Brussels last year. I am pleased that Kuwait will host the 29th EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting later this year. The Ninth EU-GCC Business Forum will also be held in Kuwait at the end of this year.
Q: Do you believe that cooperation in renewable energy between the Gulf and the EU is progressing at the desired pace?
A: Cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries in the field of green transition and renewable energy is witnessing significant progress. Relations between the two sides have strengthened through dialogue, partnerships and investments. European companies often cooperate on solar and wind energy projects in the Gulf. For example, in 2023, the European Union launched the 'EU-GCC Green Transition Cooperation' project to strengthen cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management. Since then, I have been proud of collaborations between the EU and various sectors of government and society in Kuwait, resulting in many successful projects and activities over the past two years. There is a strong desire in Kuwait ( particularly among the business community, civil society, and the younger generation) to accelerate the green transformation process. I am confident that we can do more together.