Kuwait and the United Kingdom: Friendship and Partnership by firstforum

OFFICIAL SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT

KUWAIT and the

UNITED KINGDOM

FRIENDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP PUBLISHED TO MARK THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT

FIRST

OFFICIAL SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY REPORT

KUWAIT and the

UNITED KINGDOM FRIENDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP PUBLISHED TO MARK THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT

Published by FIRST, Victory House, 99-101 Regent Street, London W1B 4EZ Tel: +44 20 7440 3500 Email: publisher@firstforum.org www.firstforum.org Chairman and Founder Rupert Goodman dl Hon. Chairman, Advisory Council The Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell ch cbe Executive Publisher Declan Hartnett VP, Strategic Partneships Emmanuel Artusa-Barrell Research and Communications Officer Harry Dobbs Designer Jon Mark Deane President, International Affairs Lord Cormack fsa dl Non-Executive Director The Hon Alexander Hambro, Special Advisors Sir Andrew Wood gcmg, Jacques Arnold dl, Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas cmg obe Chaiman, Judging Panel Rt Hon Lord Judge Award Advisory Panel Lord Cormack fsa dl, Hon. Philip Lader, Professor Lord Plant of Highfield, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen kt gcmg pc frsa frse, Chief Emeka Anyaoku gcvo tc cfr, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Dr Daniel Vasella, Ratan Tata kbe, Philippa Foster Back cbe, Dame Meg Hillier dbe mp, Baroness Bull cbe and Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne FIRST

is composed of the opinions and ideas of leading business and political figures.

All

information in this publication is verified to the best of the authors’ and

publishers’ ability, but no responsibility can be accepted for loss arising from decisions based on this material.

Where

opinion is expressed, it is that of the authors.

FIRST

I was pleased to receive the thoughtful message of loyal greetings from FIRST Magazine, sent on the occasion of the official publication being produced to mark the Sixtieth Anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence. I appreciate you taking the time to write as you did and, in return, send my best wishes to all concerned on the notable anniversary.

This year, the State of Kuwait celebrates a special and distinguished occasion close to the hearts of all Kuwaiti people, to those who reside in Kuwait and to all of Kuwait’s friends. The 19th of June marked the 60th anniversary of Kuwait declaring its independence on June 19, 1961. The independence document succeeded the treaty signed in 1899, by the late Amir Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah (God bless his soul) with Great Britain. That treaty, which embodied the historical and developing bonds of friendship between the State of Kuwait and the friendly United Kingdom, continued to prosper with greater momentum and diversity even after the treaty between the two friendly countries was terminated. The State of Kuwait has benefited greatly from the British expertise in many fields, especially in laying the grounds for development and progress that Kuwait has pursued on its course to building the foundations of the modern state it is today, where the rule of law and institutions prevail. The State of Kuwait is proud of its commitment to the democratic approach, and responsible freedom, where all citizens adhere to its constitution and work within its framework. Besides, the outstanding success of the ambitious visions of Kuwait’s political leaders to be placed amongst developed countries on all developmental indicators, makes us proud. This was a result of the rational planning and confident management of its consecutive leaders since the discovery of oil in 1938, then the export of the first shipment of it in 1946. The State of Kuwait has always endeavoured to invest in its huge oil revenues, redirecting them towards various Government Innovation programmes, mainly focusing on developing the educational and health systems in the country. And also sought to invest hugely in its human capital, believing that this is the

basis of the construction epic. It built its infrastructure according to the latest and highest standards. Kuwait established and expanded modern residential cities, suburbs and integrated facilities, with its citizens’ well-being in mind, to provide them with decent livelihoods. Kuwait was also keen to transform itself into a regional financial and commercial centre, through launching major development projects, building airports and seaports with large capacities, which enabled Kuwait to become a trade hub in the region. The cooperation between the government and the parliament elected by the people, allowed Kuwait to enact the necessary laws and regulations to attract foreign capitals to invest in the country in a way that achieves the mutual benefit of all parties, raises the efficiency of the national economy, and diversifies its resources. At this time, Kuwait is working systematically and strenuously hard, to move forward, at a steady and optimistic pace, towards achieving a bright, flourishing and prosperous future, with civilisational and developmental attainments, through Kuwait Vision 2035. Kuwait’s vision is consistent with its capabilities and potential to ensure the achievement of its desired goals. Kuwait Vision 2035 aims to advance all of Kuwait’s vital sectors in order to place the country among the top thirty countries on the global indicators by 2035. Since its independence, the State of Kuwait has adhered to its “wellestablished political principles” in its dealings with the various brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations. Kuwait has adopted the principles of good-neighbourliness, non-intervention in the internal affairs of States, and regional cooperation. Sticking to this mantra, Kuwait earned the confidence of the international community as an effective mediator, able to find solutions to end many regional conflicts that have dominated the political arena over the past decades.

Having its own preoccupation as a young country seeking to keep pace with the advancements of this era, Kuwait has not abandoned its noble principles in providing relief to those affected by wars and natural disasters. Kuwait’s tireless quest to alleviate their suffering earned it the well-deserved title of a “Centre for Humanitarian Action” by the United Nations. His Highness the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (May God bestow mercy on his soul), was named a “Leader of Humanitarian Action”, for his sponsorship of pioneering initiatives in the field of humanitarian work, which led to Kuwait being highly perceived amongst other nations. Kuwait has established the oldest financing institution in the Arab world and the Middle East, “Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development”, to provide aid and assistance to all brotherly and friendly countries in need. The State of Kuwait looks forward to further its constructive cooperation with its allies and friends, to work together in a spirit of friendship and understanding, in order to enhance international peace and security. Kuwait aims to achieve the desired aspirations of peoples through its commitment to sustainable development and transforming its goals into a present and tangible reality to advance all aspects of life, for all humanity. .

His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah Amir of the State of Kuwait

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

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I Foreword by Rupert Goodman dl Chairman and Founder FIRST

t gives me great pleasure to introduce this Official Report to mark the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Kuwait and the Thirtieth Anniversary of Liberation Day. Lord Astor, Lord Hurd and I are very grateful to His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan, the Ambassador of Kuwait and his Embassy staff for all their help and guidance in the preparation of this special publication. We are also especially grateful to Her Majesty the Queen and His Highness The Amir for contributing such important and personal messages. These Anniversaries are historic milestones in Kuwait’s distinguished history and provide an occasion to focus the attention of policy makers and business leaders on the many opportunities to strengthen ties with Kuwait. Since independence Kuwait has pursued a foreign policy based on the peaceful resolution of conflict through cooperation and dialogue with the aim of advancing global peace and prosperity. This approach, combined with Kuwait’s extraordinary humanitarian efforts that have been recognised by the United Nations, has been a major force for good in the region. Kuwait maintains strong and enduring relations with friends and allies around the world – especially with its neighbours in the region. Kuwait’s economic and political stability since independence has been a key point of competitive advantage under successive Heads of State. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah has emphasised the importance of national unity, upholding the rule of law and adherence to the constitution and democratic process. Kuwait is the fifth richest country in the world based on GDP per capita and

has a predominately oil-based economy, accounting for over six per cent of the world’s proven reserves. Kuwaiti authorities plan to increase production to over four million barrels per day by 2022. Kuwait is one of the UK’s major trading partners with hundreds of British companies operating successfully in the country. The trade and investment relationship is especially strong in financial services highlighted by the establishment of the Kuwait Investment Office in London in 1952. The KIO’s investments in the UK continue to grow exponentially. Kuwait represents a significant opportunity for trade and investment given its welldeveloped infrastructure and pro-investment government policies. Britain’s commitment came into sharp focus when Kuwait was invaded and occupied by Iraq in 1990. The then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her successor John Major helped secure the UN mandate to form an international coalition whose purpose was the liberation of Kuwait. British armed forces played a pivotal role in restoring Kuwait’s sovereignty and independence. It is with special pride that the United Kingdom celebrates the Thirtieth Anniversary of Kuwait’s liberation with friends in Kuwait. The Sixtieth Anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence and the Thirtieth Anniversary of Liberation give us all an opportunity to study the important developments in Kuwait and to weigh carefully the many opportunities to work together even more closely. We at FIRST are delighted to have been asked to produce this official publication to mark these historic anniversaries and hope that it contributes, in a small way, to the further development of Kuwait’s vital global F and regional role.

FIRST

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Introduction by The Rt Hon Lord Astor of Hever pc dl

am delighted to welcome this report to mark the Sixtieth Anniversary of Kuwait’s National Day and 30th Anniversary of Liberation Day. Over the past sixty years Kuwait has pursued a foreign policy based on cooperation and coordination. The United Kingdom and Kuwait have enjoyed a long standing relationship. Our two nations have built a strong and enduring relationship based on trade and investment, as well as defence and security. I visited Kuwait on three occasions in my capacity as Defence Minister between 2010 and 2015. We enjoy important and close relations with Kuwait on defence matters and I was involved with many discussions about these important arrangements. I am confident that the United Kingdom and Kuwait will continue to work closely together to address global challenges. Our relationship is based on friendship and deep mutual respect and the sixtieth anniversary of Kuwait’s Independence is a tremendous F opportunity to underline a special relationship.

The Rt Hon Lord Astor of Hever pc dl

FIRST

KUWAIT

Message from The Rt Hon. Ben Wallace mp

Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom

n October 2020, I accompanied His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to Kuwait to offer my condolences at the sad passing of the late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah. It was also an opportunity to affirm the special friendship and shared interests between our two nations. The United Kingdom has been alongside Kuwait since the Declaration of Independence 60 years ago, and our bilateral relations pre-date even that. We signed the Anglo-Kuwaiti Treaty of Friendship in 1899, when we pledged to protect the territorial integrity of Kuwait against external threats. Our Royal Air Force’s first overseas deployment to Kuwait was in 1920, while our flying aces were instrumental in getting the Kuwaiti Air Force off the ground. We were with you before oil and before aerospace because, as a trading nation, we have always understood that your stability and our stability are linked. And our love for the region and respect for the Kuwaiti people has never wavered. That’s why we did not hesitate thirty years ago when Saddam Hussein’s forces threatened your nation. Not only did we rally the international community to your aid- we backed our words with deeds. Only the United States made a bigger contribution to the First Gulf War in what was our Armed Force’s

largest deployment since the end of World War Two. We put more than 53,000 in field. In barely a month and a half, the RAF flew more than 2,500 sorties, helping bring the Iraqi infrastructure and its air force to its knees. Our Forces were among the first coalition soldiers to enter Iraqi-held territory. The British 1st Armoured Division famously outflanked Iraqi forces and our Royal Navy Lynx helicopters destroyed almost all of Saddam’s Navy. Every day on my way into the office I pass a memorial to the extraordinary efforts of Operation Granby. We will never forget the sacrifices and service of our personnel in that conflict – a war in which our own Chief of Defence Staff fought. Nor will we ever forget the fierce resistance of Kuwaitis in defence of their country. The presence of the head of your Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Sheikh Khalid Al-Sabah – an active member of the Kuwaiti Resistance – at a small remembrance service at the UK Embassy last November was a moving reminder of how deep the bonds of blood run. This century we have maintained our tradition of standing shoulder to shoulder with our friends in Kuwait. Most recently, we came together as part of the Counter-Daesh Coalition to defeat the terrorists in Iraq and Syria. Our efforts to remove the scourge of

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“The United Kingdom has been alongside Kuwait since the Declaration of Independence 60 years ago, and our bilateral relations pre-date even that” Daesh would not have been possible without the unfettered access, basing and overflight Kuwait so generously provide. And today our partnership continues to flourish. On the training ground we have the annual Ex-Desert Warrior – with a UK light role infantry company partnering with a Kuwaiti infantry battalion. It’s an exercise we hope will resume once the pandemic is under control. Meanwhile, in the classroom, our military students study together. As a former Sandhurst graduate, I’m particularly proud that the Kuwaiti Ruling Family are prominent in the roll call of alumni. Just as I am proud that we have UK officers serving as instructors at the renowned Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College. This is the only college in the region accredited by our UK Defence Academy as delivering a course equivalent to our own Advanced Command and Staff Course. But, in an ever more insecure and anxious world, at a time of growing security threats across your region, I believe we can do

yet more to enhance our relationship. Our Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper sets out the UK’s determination to honour our commitments to the stability of the region. With our Kuwaiti friends, we’ve started as we mean to go on. We are already studying how to counter the threats posed by our adversaries’ advances in small, unmanned air systems and cyber warfare. And we’re exploring new ways to train our personnel to operate the novel capabilities which will win the wars of the future. So, on behalf of the United Kingdom, I congratulate Kuwait on marking this momentous milestone in the history of your proud nation. The UK is no “fly by night friend” of Kuwait. We were there 60 years ago as you secured your independence. We were also there 30 years ago to help you achieve liberation. And, as you look to achieve your ambitious plans for 2035, we will remain by your side, ready and resilient, in pursuit F of peace and prosperity across this dynamic region.

The Rt Hon. Ben Wallace mp Secretary of State for Defence 13

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KUWAIT

Message from The Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan mp

Secretary of State for International Trade, United Kingdom

would like to congratulate Kuwait on marking sixty years of independence. Kuwait has always been a commercial centre and hub of international trade, from pearl fishing to the discovery of oil. Kuwait is one of the most dynamic, fast-growing economies in the Middle East and a valued friend and trading partner for the United Kingdom. Trade is something Kuwaitis have specialised in for centuries, since emerging as the maritime, shipbuilding, and commercial hub of the Persian Gulf in the 18th Century – a linchpin for the transit of goods between India and Arabia. The phenomenal transformation of this desert land into one of the most prosperous, dynamic and driven centres of the Gulf economy is testament to Kuwait’s boundless energy, enterprise and expertise as a nation. Kuwait will continue to play a key role in helping shape the Middle’s East’s economy as an active member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider global community in the years ahead. After sixty years, I’m delighted that our two governments are working to expand our economic ties – ties that are built on solid foundations. Despite the impacts of Covid-19, the fast-growing sale of goods

and services continues. Annual trade between the UK and Kuwait amounted to £2.2 billion in the year to the second quarter of 2021. I am delighted to say that Kuwait’s appetite for British-made cars, machinery and financial services is growing as rapidly as is the UK’s hunger for Kuwait-made aircraft, plastics, and of course world class refined oil. That is why the United Kingdom’s Department for International Trade is working hard to ensure that British exporters, both large and small, get the help they need to build ties with firms in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council – generating ever more wealth for both our economies. The world’s oldest Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Kuwait Investment Authority (then the Kuwait Investment Board), headquartered itself in the City of London in February 1953 under the direction of HH Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, to provide an alternative sustainable source of revenue to hydrocarbons. Now, Kuwait’s Investment Authority’s continued presence in London will enable future generations to face the future with security and confidence. Coronavirus has shaken the global market, and both our nations

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“The capabilities, ambition and expertise that set our nations apart and put us firmly in the driving seat to grasp the great opportunities ahead” have experienced the challenges of confronting this international crisis. It is vital that we pull together and do not fall into the trap of protectionism. Strong economies thrive on open trade, diverse supply chains, and shared resources and expertise. Not by withdrawing from the world, slamming the door on our international partners and imposing restrictive tariffs. Free and open trade will be needed now more than ever to stimulate growth and jump-start global prosperity. That is why the UK will use our voice as a truly independent, global trading nation to champion free trade and lower barriers at every opportunity. Fewer barriers mean more opportunities for business, better jobs, higher wages, more choice and lower prices – for people, Britain, Kuwait, and our friends around the world. The economic symbiosis between our nations is clear – looking at our mutually complementary strengths: Kuwait has a dynamic, skilled workforce, huge natural resources and a fastdiversifying economic base. While the UK is a global leader in the new technologies that are transforming the global economy, from

green finance, to offshore wind, smart energy, precision agriculture, electric and autonomous vehicles. We seek to deepen and broaden our commercial ties with Kuwait and fellow members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as the economies of the region diversify away from hydrocarbons. This close collaboration will be crucial in ensuring both our nations fully embrace the opportunities this flourishing partnership promises to bring. The capabilities, ambition and expertise that set our nations apart and put us firmly in the driving seat to grasp the great opportunities ahead for global economic growth and reminds us of the enduring strengths that Britain and Kuwait possess. Over the last sixty years, Kuwait has remained a trusted trading partner with the UK. Like the skilled Kuwaiti craftsmen who honed the wooden vessels that brought wealth to these shores three centuries ago – so the tech start-ups, green energy entrepreneurs and financial wizards of today will help propel Kuwait’s economic growth forward in the years ahead. The UK will continue to be the perfect partner F for Kuwait as together we grasp the future for trade ahead.

The Rt Hon. Anne-Marie Trevelyan mp Secretary of State for International Trade 15

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KUWAIT

Message from The Rt Hon. James Cleverly td vr mp

Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

n 2021, Kuwait celebrated two important anniversaries: 60 years since independence and 30 years since liberation. These occasions are moments to reflect on the strength and depth of our bilateral relationship, given the role the UK played handing over power in 1961, and in the Allied operation in 1991. For over 120 years, the UK and Kuwait have stood shoulder to shoulder as dependable friends, working together to maintain security and stability in the region. Our partnership continues, whether on threats to global health, climate and sustainability, economic recovery, or defence and security. Our armed forces will continue to work side by side, deploying together on training exercises. We enjoy strong and growing bilateral trading links. Goods and services trade between the UK and Kuwait currently totals around £2.2 billion per year and we have agreed to work together to facilitate greater market access in key sectors, such as professional and business services, agriculture, education, healthcare, financial services and renewable energy. We recently launched a public consultation, and we hope 2022 will see the start of trade negotiations. This will help us to deepen and strengthen trade and investment with both Kuwait and our friends across the Gulf Cooperation Council. We share the desire to

make swift progress in realising the opportunities that this represents. The power of our partnership was evident in Kuwait’s efforts to mediate and bring an end to the Gulf dispute that was resolved in January this year. The UK supported Kuwait, and maintained our strong links with all parties, bringing our diplomatic network to bear, as we encouraged our friends in the Gulf to follow the path towards full reconciliation. We welcomed the leadership of the late Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, his successor HH the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah, and the diplomatic efforts of Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al-Nasser Al-Sabah. I felt the depth of our relationship myself when I visited Kuwait for the first time as a Minister in May 2021. I received an extremely warm welcome, and was delighted to meet in person with my dear friend, His Excellency Majdi Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister. We were able to follow up these discussions when I welcomed him to London earlier in December. Every occasion that we talk allows us to have open, honest and candid discussions, as partners. The Foreign Secretary maintains an ever closer relationship with His Excellency Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, and was pleased to host him with other GCC Foreign Ministers at

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“For over 120 years, the UK and Kuwait have stood shoulder to shoulder as dependable friends, working together to maintain security and stability in the region” Chevening in December. When I was in Kuwait I was also delighted to meet entrepreneurs, women passionate about playing a greater role in society, and the world, and business leaders. Taken together they represent much of what I see as the future of our relationship with Kuwait. The shared agenda of our two nations is evident, none more so than the cooperation we have displayed in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. Kuwait, like the UK, made a significant contribution to the COVAX facility (US$50m). Our task is now to build back better, guaranteeing our ability to open up the world’s economies for trade, travel and tourism. Another area of close cooperation is human rights, democracy, and good governance. We are encouraged by the Kuwaiti government’s positive steps in these areas, including introducing legislation to prosecute domestic violence, providing shelters for domestic workers and tackling human trafficking by cracking down on visa traders. The developments from the National Dialogue were welcomed steps. In addition, project work is underway, in partnership with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, to encourage more Kuwaiti

women to get more politically active and equip them to pursue their political aspirations through mentoring and strategic campaign training. On all of these issues, the UK is ready, as ever, to offer our world-leading expertise. The UK is taking safe and careful measures to open up once more to welcome Kuwaitis to our shores, be it for business or pleasure. I am delighted to see the growing numbers of Kuwaiti students investing in their future by studying in the UK, and I welcome them to our world-class universities. Through our biannual Joint Steering Group meetings, we continue to find new areas to expand our cooperation. I look forward to travelling to Kuwait in 2022 to co-host the 18th edition of the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary attach great importance to our relationship with our Gulf partners, and have a strong desire to travel to the region in 2022. I have no doubt that our friendship will continue to endure and grow in the years ahead. I wish Kuwait, HH the Amir and all our Kuwaiti friends every success as they celebrate these F most significant anniversaries.

The Rt Hon. James Cleverly td vr mp Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

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LONDON

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Twice Winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise promoting international dialogue and responsible capitalism for 38 years

KUWAIT

Message from Baroness Morris of Bolton obe dl

Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy for Jordan, Kuwait and Palestinian Territories

t gives me great pleasure to contribute to this important publication produced by FIRST to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Kuwait. As the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Kuwait, I have witnessed the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the United Kingdom grow even stronger in recent years and I am delighted to add my heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of Kuwait on this historic anniversary. A new action plan was recently signed at the 17th UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group confirming the further strengthening of cooperation between the two countries across a range of sectors including trade, investment, technology, security and culture. The breadth of these discussions underlines the commitment of both countries to work ever more closely together in our shared interest. The 60th Anniversary gives us all the opportunity to celebrate an historic milestone and to build on a vital and enduring friendship between our F two nations.

Baroness Morris of Bolton obe dl

FIRST

KUWAIT

Message from HE Khaled Al-Duwaisan gcvo

Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Court of St James’s

am delighted to welcome this official report published by FIRST to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of my country as well as the 30th Anniversary of the liberation. This is an historic moment in our history and an excellent opportunity to mark the significant progress that defines Kuwait’s rich history. It is also an opportune moment to celebrate the strength and breadth of the Kuwait-UK bilateral relationship. I have had the privilege of serving in London as Kuwait’s Ambassador for twenty eight years and take great pride in the deep friendship, cooperation and partnership between our two countries. This close and historic relationship is based on shared interests in promoting the prosperity and security of both nations. The United Kingdom has been our steadfast partner in both good times and difficult times. The 60th Anniversary of Kuwait’s independence enables us to reflect on the extraordinary transformation of Kuwait and to confirm our optimism for new and exciting opportunities F to enhance further our friendship and partnership with the UK.

HE Khaled Al-Duwaisan gcvo Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Court of St James’s

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SHELL IN KUWAIT

A HISTORY OF RELIABLE PARTNERSHIP Shell has been in Kuwait for more than 70 years and we are proud of our long history. It continues to be our privilege to support our partner KPC and the Government in their drive to turn the country’s natural reserves into a benefit for generations to come.

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Celebrating strong ties By REHMAN CHISHTI M.P. Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kuwait

REHMAN CHISHTI is the Member of Parliament for Gillingham & Rainham, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kuwait and previously served as the UK Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (2019–2020). Chishti read law at the University of Wales Aberystwyth, followed by Inns of Court School of Law where he undertook his Barristers vocational course. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales by Lincoln’s Inn in 2001.

s Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kuwait, I am delighted to write this article to mark the 60th Anniversary of Kuwait’s independence and celebrate the strong ties between our nations. Kuwait has long been one of the UK’s most steadfast and reliable partners in the region. Just in 2019, we celebrated 120 years of friendship between our two countries – a friendship which continues to this day. Today, the UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Group’s biannual meetings between high-level officials and Ministers at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and their counterparts at Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry pay testament to the importance and extent of this relationship, supporting and organising extensive bilateral co-operation on matters as diverse as defence, security, trade, international development, science, health, and education. On defence and security, Kuwait is one of our most important allies in the region and it is very encouraging to see the extensive co-operation continuing and deepening. For instance the UK and Kuwait participated in Exercise Joint Warrior in 2017 on joint training exercises, and we are working side-byside in order to defeat Daesh to help prevent terrorism at home and abroad, and to help bring the terrible and deadly conflict in Libya to an end. Readiness for future security threats must also be a priority and it is great to see that following the 2018 UK-Kuwait Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security, our two countries have continued to co-operate on cyber security issues and threats at every level. With the largest Royal Navy Task Force in nearly forty years, led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth, having set off in May 2021 to visit countries in the Middle East and beyond, and with the Integrated Review emphasising the UK’s continued security commitments there, this co-operation is set to continue. Commercial and trade relations between the UK and Kuwait are a continuing success story. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, total trade in goods and services between our two countries reached £3.4bn during 2019, extending widely to diverse sectors including petrochemicals and automotive, but also textiles and agricultural goods, and marking a very significant increase from the preceding four years, from only £2.6bn in 2015. This is supported by a solid underpinning of

over 50 officially agreed treaties, agreements, action plans, and Memorandums of Understanding. The friendship between our two countries is also about people – whether they are tourists, students, or workers. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the exchange of people between our two countries had reached a record high. Over 7,500 Kuwaitis study at UK universities year-onyear, most of them sponsored by the Kuwait Government, while around 8,000 Britons live in Kuwait as residents. At the same time, 2019 saw a record 181,011 visits to the UK by Kuwaitis, a more than three-fold increase on ten years prior, with nearly seventy per cent of these for the purpose of tourism. It is my fervent hope that in the coming months and years, with the Covid-19 pandemic coming to an end, these fruitful and positive exchanges can resume in full and continue to grow. The links between Kuwait and the UK are as strong as anywhere on the Parliamentary level. Just recently, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, welcomed His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Ambassador of Kuwait to the United Kingdom, as his first in-person diplomatic meeting since the start of the pandemic. The APPG on Kuwait, which I now have the honour to chair, has organised a number of wellattended events in Parliament over the years, allowing interested Parliamentarians and other stakeholders to learn more about Kuwait and the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and the UK. With the support of the Kuwait Government and especially the Kuwait Embassy in the UK, the APPG has also been able to organise several visits to Kuwait, the last of which was in November 2018, during which UK Parliamentarians had the chance to meet with high-profile politicians, discuss salient issues in-depth, and explore the country and its institutions. These visits have served to deepen links between our two Parliaments as well as our two countries and I hope we will be able to resume them following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Kuwait Embassy in the UK has been a constant partner in supporting the APPG’s work, as well as in promoting the excellent bilateral relationship between our two countries. I particularly wish to thank HE Khaled Al-Duwaisan, Ambassador of Kuwait to the United Kingdom for nearly three decades now, making him the longest-serving Ambassador of any country to the UK, for all his work in this regard and his continuing F friendship to the people of the UK.

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KUWAIT

O Alderman Vincent Keaveny Lord Mayor of the City of London

n 25th February 2021, Kuwait celebrated its 60th National Day. As I look back to 1961 when Kuwait became a sovereign independent state, it is clear that since then, the close friendship between the United Kingdom and Kuwait has continued to this day, leading to a mutually beneficial partnership across a variety of spheres. Looking back over the centuries, the United Kingdom and Kuwait have a long standing economic and trading partnership that can trace its roots back to the eighteenth century; when we traded saffron and silks, satin and spices through Kuwait as a key trading post. Kuwait and Britain have many shared attributes; we are small countries that have looked outside our borders for growth, we are dependent on trade with a strong maritime history – Kuwait as a gateway to the Gulf, London as a gateway to Europe. In these modern times we are democratic countries with dynamic private sectors that have an emphasis on financial expertise. In recent years, Kuwait has played a huge part in the life and work of the City of London; the Kuwait Investment Authority is the oldest Sovereign Wealth Fund in the world and since 1953 they have had the Kuwait Investment Office located on the historic thoroughfare of Cheapside here in the heart of the Square Mile. For more than sixty years, they have invested and traded in and through the United Kingdom. It is not just in the business arena that we have such strong ties. We have had the privilege of having the support of the Kuwait Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Khaled Al-Duwaisan GCVO, the longest serving ambassador in London and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. With over 25 years of service, His Excellency has done so much to

support the Kuwaiti-British relationship and we are always grateful for his advice, insights and wealth of knowledge. The United Kingdom and Kuwait enjoy a very special relationship. When the Lord Mayor Sir Paul Newall visited Kuwait in 1994, his visit showed that the City of London stood and still stands firmly in guaranteeing the security of Kuwait and its people. The following year the City had the privilege of hosting a State Banquet in honour of the late Amir, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, where Lord Mayor Sir Christopher Walford once more spoke of the close relationship between our two nations. My predecessor William Russell was received by the Amir during his first visit to Kuwait in 2020 and had the opportunity to discuss the potential for increased bilateral investment and further trade between our two countries. We are all humbled by the kindness and hospitality shown to successive Lord Mayors where the strong historic ties and warm relationships between our kingdoms is clear for all to see. I was delighted to visit Kuwait in October 2021 alongside the late Lord Mayor William Russell and discuss opportunities which will create shared jobs and prosperity for both of our countries. With a new Amir, Crown Prince, and Government in place, Kuwait is enjoying a period of change and transition. Although the friendship between the United Kingdom and Kuwait has achieved a great deal, there is still more that we can do together. I am confident that our deep links will put us all in a strong position to emerge from the pandemic with a renewed sense of purpose and focus allowing F us all to build back better.

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KUWAIT

A visionary leader By NICK LYNE Senior Staff Writer, FIRST

Mr AlKharafi’s career has been characterised by a deep desire to give back to society and drive change

Mr Al-Kharafi’s dynamism combined with his social conscience, has benefited in particular Kuwait’s youth population

ader Nasser Al-Kharafi, who at the age of 43 has already established a reputation as one of his country’s most successful and highprofile business personalities, is the founder and chairman of BNK Holding, a global family-owned business group based in Kuwait set up in 2016. The recipient of numerous business awards, Mr Al-Kharafi is also CEO and Vice Chairman of Zain Group, the leading mobile voice, data and digital services operator, supplying some 50 million individual and business customers throughout the Middle East and named the second-most powerful brand in the Gulf, employing over 7,500 people. At the same time, Mr Al-Kharafi holds several key positions in leading regional players: he is Chairman of Gulf Cables, as well as a board member at Gulf Bank, a board member of Foulath Holding B.S.C. a Bahraini steel production plant, and Vice Chairman of Diamond International Motors company in Egypt, the authorised distributor / agent for Mitsubishi. In 2019, BNK Automotive acquired the franchise rights for Volvo Cars in Kuwait, and the following year, BNK Motion acquired the franchise rights for Italian scooter maker Piaggio. On top of this, Mr Al-Kharafi sits on the Board of Coutts, the wealth division of the Royal Bank of

Scotland, as well as holding a number of other positions on boards all over the world. Nurturing Kuwait’s young entrepreneurs Mr Al-Kharafi’s career has been characterised by a desire to give back to society and drive change, and his plans are closely connected with Kuwait’s progress and ensuring success for coming generations. As such, a core part of Zain’s corporate strategy is to set in motion positive socio-economic impacts across the region, which begin within the company. Zain’s sustainability efforts include contributing to the socioeconomic development of the countries where it operates; aligning to climate change targets and developing its employees, all of which ultimately leads to a more successful and profitable organisation. Zain’s diversity and inclusion initiatives have made it a pioneer in the region and are central to the company’s development. With around a quarter of Kuwait’s population aged 15 or under, Mr Al-Kharafi wishes to ensure that the youth of his country are equipped with the skills they will need to drive growth and diversify the economy. Securing meaningful employment is one of the toughest challenges facing young people in the region. Around a third of under-25s, who make up 50

per cent of the population, are unemployed. “That’s around 2 million people who are unable to access the labour market, lead fulfilling lives, and drive economic prosperity,” points out Mr Al-Kharafi, explaining that while many factors contribute to the problem, it is clear that one major issue is the disconnect between the skills young people are taught at school and those required by the rapidly changing job market. Determined to address the issue, in 2016 Mr AlKharafi oversaw the creation of Zain’s Generation Z programme – a youth empowerment initiative aimed at helping to develop the careers of entrepreneuriallyminded young Kuwaitis, while at the same time injecting a youthful start-up mindset into Zain’s workforce. Now, after five successful years, the company’s Generation Z graduate training programme has transformed into an initiative focused on developing cutting edge skills of future data analytics, behaviour change and leadership development. The new programme, called CODE 7 targets Kuwaiti graduates who have majored in computer science-related subjects. Four dynamic young people were selected to participate in the inaugural year-long programme and will be guided through the year with the intention that they will then go on to support digitisation efforts within Zain in areas such as data analytics and data science. Zain has further recognised the contribution younger employees can make by setting up a reverse mentoring programme. The initiative evolves the traditional mentorship experience, pairing a senior executive (mentee) with a youth employee (mentor) to discuss emerging trends such as AI, gamification, and

forward-thinking marketing strategies. However, it is a two-way exchange; the youth mentor will also be able to better understand roles, expand their networks and have greater access to management. A key goal of the programme is to foster a more diverse and inclusive work environment, as well as to empower potential future leaders of the organisation by understanding how to better attract and retain top talent. Since 2017, Zainiac – Zain’s Internal Innovation Platform – has focused on equipping employees with the opportunity to transform their ideas into their own start-ups by testing their ideas, building prototypes, and pitching to a panel of judges. Through Zainiac, employees are able to explore new methods with building start-ups and collaborate with external stakeholders to achieve their goals. Innovation is driven from within. In 2018, strengthening its commitment to helping Kuwait’s emerging generation of entrepreneurs, Mr Al-Kharafi launched the Zain Innovation Centre (ZINC). The co-working hub was the first of its kind in Kuwait provided by a corporate entity and aims to bolster youth entrepreneurship and the country’s start-up ecosystem. Apart from the inspiring co-working hub facilities, ZINC will provide aspiring entrepreneurs and startups access to experts in various fields and advice from mentors from the region and across the globe, including from Zain senior personnel and associated technology partners. “We believe entrepreneurship is an important way to help businesses grow and capture new market opportunities. It combines an enterprising attitude

We believe entrepreneurship is an important way to help businesses grow and capture new market opportunities

Kuwait Food Bank continues the country’s proud tradition of generosity to the less fortunate with the motto ‘the world without hunger from the country of humanity’

KUWAIT

Central to empowering Kuwait’s young people is improving gender diversity. This led to the recent launch of the Zain Women’s Empowerment Programme

with the ability to identify market opportunities and translate them into successful commercial operations,” says Mr Al-Kharafi, adding: “During the course of the programme participants will be helped to cultivate ideas in ways that are customer-centric and relevant. They may have an idea that needs some additional work or are looking to bounce the idea off new colleagues. Zain offers ways to push that thinking further.” Similarly, as Chairman of INJAZ-Kuwait – a nonprofit organisation that inspires entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness – Mr Al-Kharafi is offering support and guiding change by sharing his own experience of business, planning further investment into schools, education initiatives and curriculums. “It’s amazing to look back at the networks we’ve developed, the number of young people we’ve reached and the partnerships we’ve built since 2004,” explains Mr Al-Kharafi. INJAZ now operates in 13 countries and has grown to more than 88,000 volunteers, from more than 4,000 schools, 346 universities, and 13 ministries of education, making it the largest non-profit organisation dedicated to overcoming unemployment in the region. It now has more than 3.7 million students. “Working under three main pillars: workforce readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, we strive to bridge the gap between education and the requirements of the labour market through hands-on, highly relevant training and mentoring programmes delivered by volunteer business leaders and entrepreneurs,” explains Mr Al-Kharafi. Zain is also now included in The Valuable 500, an international initiative striving to put disability on the leadership agenda within corporates, making Zain the first corporation from the GCC to join, along with 500 leading global organisations. Zain already has a well-defined and proactive diversity and inclusion programme, WE ABLE, aimed at integrating people with disabilities within the company as well as improving their business social and economic prospects. The company’s participation in The Valuable 500 will further amplify its efforts. Central to empowering Kuwait’s young people is improving gender diversity. This led to the recent launch of the Zain Women’s Empowerment Programme, which focuses on bringing gender diversity to the workplace and encouraging female entrepreneurs. “The talent, creativity, and passion women bring to their roles is undeniable, and I believe developing a programme to initiate and measure actual progress achieved in this respect over time will reap benefits not just for women within Zain, but for the organisation as a whole,” says Mr Al-Kharafi. Since 2017, Zain Group’s WE Program has grown in activity and impact, with numerous impressive

achievements having been chronicled in this period to date, including: female leadership at Zain Group risen from 14.5 per cent to represent 15.6 per cent; senior female leadership roles have increased 100 per cent from 6 to 12 chief of department roles. Overall, female middle management has seen a 40 per cent increase. At the same time, the company has embedded Women Empowerment into the board of director’s agenda. The company has also signed the UN Women Empowerment Principles. In March 2020, Zain announced its latest Thought Leadership Report, The Circular Economy: Embedding Sustainable Solutions in a Bid to Save the Planet, which explains how the circular economy fits into helping address some of the devastating impacts of climate change based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. Most recently, Zain has been leading initiatives to combat the impact of Covid in Kuwait and the wider region. Working with the Ministry of Health and the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) Zain last year created the Shlonik app to monitor selfquarantine directives. The company has also thrown its weight behind the National Counselling Program for COVID-19 (Corona Care Kw), a volunteer scheme that offers a free online interactive platform for mental health support to the Kuwaiti community. Zain also supports the programme by posting the programme’s goals on the company’s official social media channels to reach a wider audience and contributes help to the mental wellbeing of the community as much as possible. Zain also created Be Well, a new mental health strategy for employees with the aim of creating a more inclusive organization that supports its employees. It was launched in May 2021 after rising work pressures in modern commercial environments and the escalation in COVID-19 related stress, burnout and isolation having wrought havoc on working norms. Given the pandemic, stress and burnout have seriously impacted many employees’ well-being. The heavy reliance on remote working, also resulted in a sense of isolation for many others. Last but not least, for over four years Mr AlKharifi has been supporting the Kuwait Food Bank, an initiative of his, that aims to increase awareness in the community about reducing wastage of food and provide assistance to less fortunate families. Looking to the future, Mr Al-Kharafi says he believes initiatives such as Generation Z, Zainiac and the Women Empowerment Network will have a domino effect and inspire other organisations to experiment with similar initiatives by showcasing the beneﬁts of progressive F policies in paving the way to a brighter future.