Pakistan, Kuwait explore closer defence cooperation, economic partnership
Pakistan and Kuwait on Wednesday explored ways to enhance defence cooperation and boost economic ties, agreeing to further institutionalise bilateral relations through stronger institutional mechanisms and sustained high-level exchanges.
The development emerged during delegation-level talks, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The talks discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, labour, agriculture, information technology, health, mining and minerals, defence, and the broader economic partnership.
The two sides agreed to further institutionalise bilateral cooperation through enhanced institutional linkages and regular high-level exchanges.
Pakistan and the Kuwaiti delegations also reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination and cooperation at multilateral forums on issues of mutual interest.
The Kuwaiti FM thanked Pakistan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
He also expressed appreciation for Islamabad’s support to Kuwait during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep commitment to its longstanding brotherly relations with Kuwait and underscored Pakistan’s desire to further expand the mutually beneficial partnership across all areas of cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East and Palestine.
The Kuwaiti FM also appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
The talks followed a bilateral meeting between DPM Dar and the Kuwaiti FM, where they discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East.
The Kuwaiti FM — who arrived in the country on Tuesday — called on DPM Dar at the MoFA, where they reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
During the meeting, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the longstanding brotherly partnership.
“They also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments, with particular focus on the evolving situation in the Middle East,” the FO said.
The Kuwaiti delegation’s visit comes days after Reuters reported, citing five sources familiar with the talks, that Pakistan has been negotiating an expanded defence pact with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation and investment.
Kuwait has had a more limited defence deal with Pakistan for training and joint exercises since 2023.
It is now seeking a show of force by Islamabad that would be similar to Pakistan’s pact with Saudi Arabia, including “thousands of Pakistani troops on the ground, fighter jets, drones, an air defence system, and other defence-related facilities,” a Pakistani government official was quoted as saying.
Pakistan ‘playing part as honest mediator’
The Kuwaiti FM later called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said that Pakistan was playing its part as an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in the regional peace efforts.
During their meeting, the prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s full solidarity with the Kuwaiti leadership and people and strongly condemned the attacks on the country and other brotherly Gulf states during the ongoing conflict, according to a statement issued by the PM Office.
PM Shehbaz also thanked the Kuwaiti leadership for its support to Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Kuwait in diverse fields.
He also appreciated the Kuwaiti government for hosting the Pakistani community and acknowledged its valuable contribution to Kuwait’s socio-economic development.
The Kuwaiti FM reaffirmed commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual benefit.
He also expressed deep appreciation for the valuable contributions made by PM Shehbaz, DPM Dar and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in advancing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the current crisis and restore peace to the region.
He thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their solidarity and steadfast support for Kuwait during these difficult times.
FM Sheikh Jarrah later called on Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and steps to further strengthen bilateral cooperation were discussed, read the statement.
The Kuwaiti FM appreciated Pakistan’s steadfast support, its constructive contribution towards regional peace and stability, and the deep-rooted fraternal ties shared between the two nations.
Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Kuwait, emphasising that both countries share a common vision for regional peace and prosperity.
