FOREIGN POLICY OF KUWAIT

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The cardinal principle on which the foreign policy of Kuwait is based had been enunciated by the late Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, when he declared that, “Kuwait lives under the protection of Islam as its religion, Arabism as its homeland, cooperation as its strategic path, tolerance as its motto, fraternity as its guidance, constitution as its modus operandi, justice as its rule, progress as its responsibility and peace as its goal”.
The objective of Kuwait’s pursuit of diplomacy is based on a pragmatic and balanced approach and is conducted in accordance with the government’s philosophy and the interest of the State. Kuwait adheres to a policy, which is characterised by clarity, straightforward and quiet diplomacy. It strives to strengthen constructive cooperation with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and non-intervention in the internal affairs of other States in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice. It advocates the use of peaceful means in resolving all problems between States in accordance with the principles of right and justice, away from conflicts, sphere of influence and International blocs. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, while outlining the salient features of Kuwait’s foreign policy, said that ‘one of the main objectives of Kuwait’s diplomacy is to cooperate with all countries to maintain world security and stability as well as reach sustainable development of societies.
Kuwait endeavors to promote peace among nations and enter into partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries for the development of societies. At the same time, Kuwait’s policy is concerned with the safeguard of her independence and sovereignty and her freedom of political decision. His Highness the amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah asserted that the pursuit of Kuwait’s diplomacy is the first line of defence of the State’s security and interests.
Kuwait is an ardent advocate of Pan Arabism and its policy and interest in the Arab world is motivated by its strong adherence to the principles of Arab nationalism. It is an active and vocal member of the Arab League where it realizes its belief in a common Arab destuny by enhancing its relations with the Arab States. Kuwait plays a leading role in promoting economic prosperity in the region. In its pursuit of economic diplomacy, His Highness the Amir said that the loans and grants provided by Kuwait Fund as well as the Kuwaiti donations for other International funds are a testimony of Kuwait’s effective role in building bridges of friendship and cooperation by financing development projects in the four corners of the globe. Kuwait is vocal in its demand for withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from all Arab lands illegally and forcibly occupied by Israel.
In response to the United Nations appeal for humanitarian assistance for Syrian war victims, Kuwait twice hosted a donor countries summit meeting, the first in January 2013 and the second in January 2014.
Philanthropy and benevolence is an integral part of Kuwait’s diplomatic pursuit. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir referred to an initiative taken by His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in 1988 whereby interest on soft loans to numerous developing countries was waived, thereby setting a precedent which initiated a quantum leap in the assistance methods of Kuwaiti diplomacy.
This can be discerned from statistics that show 86.4% of Kuwait’s official humanitarian assistance was spent in fragile states.
Further, Kuwait doubled its contribution to various international Organizations and has been playing a leading role in support of the humanitarian work globally.
In recognition of Kuwait’s diplomatic thrust in bridging the differences between countries through its humanitarian service and support, the UN Secretary General presented His Highness the Amir a Certificate of Appreciation in 2014.  The citation described His Highness the Amir as the exemplary Humanitarian Leader.
This presentation underscores the achievement and success of Kuwait’s foreign policy pursuit. From this perspective, His Highness the Amir summed up the goals and objectives of Kuwaiti diplomacy when he categorically outlined the foundation of Kuwait’s foreign policy, since the dawn of its independence, based on humanitarian assistance to all countries regardless of their geographic location, religious beliefs or ethnic origin.
Being a Gulf State, Kuwait played a pivotal role in bringing about the unification of the Gulf Emirates. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a brainchild of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, was perhaps one of the most important landmark of Kuwait’s foreign policy. The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council is an expression and extension of Kuwait’s primary foreign policy goals. His Highness the Amir of Kuwait conceived such a forum to promote cooperation and co-ordination amongst the member States in all spheres not only for their mutual benefit but also for the whole Arab nation. Kuwait was the host of the 34th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council in December 2013 which focused on the unified political stance of the member States on matters of regional and international concerns. The conference also laid emphasis on striving to attain economic integration.
Since the dawn of Kuwait’s independence, Kuwait exerted strenuous efforts, to fulfil Kuwait’s strong commitment to the welfare and progress of the Islamic Ummah. This was aptly reflected when it hosted the 5th. OIC Summit meeting in January 1987.
On the International plane, Kuwait’s foreign relations have always been balanced and based on openness. The recent hosting of the Asian Cooperation Dialog Summit by Kuwait testifies Kuwait’s eagerness to buttress cooperation among the Asian countries.
As part of Kuwait’s role in pursuing a dynamic and pro-active foreign policy, Kuwait hosted the third Arab-African Summit in November 2013.
As an active member of the Arab League, Kuwait hosted the 25th Arab League Summit in March 2014 which focused on Arab integration, cooperation and coordination as well as the latest Arab developments.
This candid approach in the conduct of its relations with other countries, based on cooperation, understanding and continuity, is not a mere coincidence or a passing phase that might be altered with a change of faces in the government. Rather, it is a philosophy felt deeply by the government and is based on self-confidence and mutual trust between the citizens and the government of Kuwait.
Kuwait aspires to a new approach in International Relations moulded by a New World Order, which is based on international legitimacy and a rejection of the principles of using force, terrorism and aggression to alter the status quo.
Kuwait is currently in the midst of a transformation, as it considers its place in the era of globalization. The Kuwaiti people recognize the nexus between domestic and foreign policy, and have undertaken tremendous political and economic decisions that prepare the country for sweeping reforms. In recent years, Kuwait has deepened its commitment to democratic progress.
Kuwait’s strong adherence to what it regards as the basic principles of her external policy has been put to severe tests on a number of occasions.
Kuwait does not compromise its principles and honour. His Highness the Amir had once said in October 1985 that ‘our decision will remain free and we will not yield to blackmail, terrorism and emotionalism”.
Kuwait has strong conviction that World peace in general and regional peace, stability and prosperity can only come through a rational approach to divisive issues which could be and should be resolve amicably through discussions.
In this aspect, it has tremendous faith on the United Nations and its principles and charters, as a means of sustaining international legitimacy, peace and security of all the countries.
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