CDF Munir, Kuwaiti delegation vow to strengthen 'mutually beneficial defence partnership'

Pakistan and Kuwait reaffirmed the resolve to “consolidate their historic and brotherly relations into a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial defence partnership”, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

A Kuwaiti delegation led by Defence Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah met Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISPR said in a statement.

The Kuwaiti minister was accompanied by Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Lt Gen Khaled Darj Saad Al-Shriaan.

The two sides discussed “matters of mutual interest, regional security and bilateral defence cooperation”, ISPR said.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing institutional ties and expanding mutually beneficial defence collaboration between the two brotherly countries.”

ISPR added that “the Kuwaiti delegation appreciated the professionalism, operational excellence and valuable contributions of the Pakistan Armed Forces towards regional peace and stability”.

The two sides discussed contributing to regional security and stability as well.

There’s been a noticeable uptick in high-level contacts between the two countries over the past few mon­ths, including exchanges between senior military officials and discussions on expanding defence cooperation, as Kuwait broadened its security partnerships amid continuing volatility across the Gulf.

About a month ago, Kuwait ratified a 2023 defence cooperation agreement signed with Pakistan.

Days later, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah paid an official visit to Pakistan, where he met CDF Munir and discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security.

Sheikh Jarrah had expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s steadfast support and constructive contribution toward regional peace and stability.

During his visit, which was the first visit by a Kuwaiti foreign minister in more than five years, Sheikh Jarrah also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.