Over 10,000 Kuwaiti students studying in UK • Kuwait-British joint exercise in Jan-Feb
KUWAIT: The UK Ambassador to Kuwait, Qudsi Rasheed, highlighted the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom, emphasizing joint efforts on regional stability. Reflecting on his presentation of credentials to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah recently, the Ambassador described the meeting as very warm and welcoming, saying that HH the Amir spoke about the historical importance of Kuwait to the UK, the mutual sense of belonging between the peoples of both countries, and offered personal advice for him to understand Kuwait, its culture and its people.
On defense cooperation, the Ambassador stressed ongoing collaboration and training programs, noting, “Just this month and next, we have a big joint exercise called ‘Desert Warrior’ between our two armies. British soldiers have arrived in Kuwait and are currently training with the Kuwaiti Armed Forces. I am due to attend the closing session just before Ramadan.”
He pointed out the extensive military exchange programs, including Kuwaiti military personnel attending UK training facilities such as Sandhurst for the army and Dartmouth for the navy, adding, “Last week, I met cadets who spent two years at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and are now returning to the Kuwaiti army.”
The Ambassador indicated that the training also extends to the Ministry of Interior and the Coast Guard, including the first female Coast Guard cadets training in the UK, where the training is ongoing. He also highlighted that over 20 British military officials are permanently stationed in Kuwait and integrated into the Kuwaiti army, demonstrating the UK’s deep and visible commitment to Kuwait’s security.
UK Ambassador to Kuwait Qudsi Rasheed poses for a photo with local media representatives.
Qudsi Rasheed
Regional alliances
While avoiding speculation on potential conflicts, the Ambassador underscored the strength of regional alliances. “Kuwait, like the rest of the region, is part of a network of allies. The ties that bind us together are historically deep and currently strong economically, politically and militarily,” he said, acknowledging regional tensions.
He praised Kuwait’s role as a stabilizing force in the region, noting its history of maintaining peace and contributing positively to regional stability. On the economic front, the Ambassador outlined the UK’s commitment to supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035, emphasizing collaboration across AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and data centers. He said British companies are keen to explore opportunities in Kuwait and the UK government’s role is to facilitate access to relationships, provide guidance and communicate challenges between companies and the Kuwaiti government.
The Ambassador noted that the UK is keen to increase efforts in exports to Kuwait in healthcare, education, defense, technology and other sectors. Regarding the Palestine issue, the Ambassador reiterated Britain’s historic and moral responsibility toward Palestine, emphasizing the UK’s support for a stable and secure Palestinian state.
“We have a moral and historic responsibility to ensure justice for the Palestinian people, including the stability and security of a Palestinian state. We have always been clear about this and remain so. The recognition of Palestine as a state and the opening of an embassy are steps on that journey, not the final step, and much more still needs to be done. In Gaza, that includes putting pressure on Israel to do what it needs to do to allow the Palestinian people a life of dignity,” he added.
He highlighted the UK’s aid to Gaza, totaling over £250 million over the past two years, including £100 million this year for food, medical care, shelter, reconstruction, and mine clearance, stressing the importance of humanitarian access and urging the Zionist entity to allow aid to flow freely and NGOs to operate unhindered.
On the visa system, he said that Kuwait enjoys one of the best visa regimes under the new ETA system, noting that feedback from Kuwaiti applicants indicated the system was operating effectively, with users completing applications online through a simple process.
He noted that while the official response time is up to 72 hours, many applicants receive approvals much sooner, adding that the streamlined system has already contributed to an increase in the number of travelers from Kuwait to the UK. The UK Ambassador highlighted that over 10,000 Kuwaiti students are currently studying in the UK, the highest number from any country in the world, reflecting the attractiveness of British universities and strong transport links.
The UK Ambassador concluded that he and his family have found it relatively easy to settle into life in Kuwait. While this is his first posting in the Gulf, it marks his third in the Arab world, following previous assignments in Egypt and Lebanon.
His wife, who is half Palestinian and half Syrian and grew up in Damascus, is fluent in Arabic, which has helped the family adapt quickly, adding, “We are learning about Kuwait, specifically its culture, traditions, and cuisine.”
