Germany commits to bolster ties with Kuwait amid GCC presidency

22/03/2025

KUWAIT CITY, March 22: German Ambassador to Kuwait Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz has affirmed that Germany and Kuwait are reliable partners, indicating the desire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. In a press statement during an Iftar banquet organized by the German Embassy recently, Reibnitz congratulated the Kuwaiti government on assuming the presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the end of 2024 despite the extremely complex challenges and circumstances.

He pointed out that continuing steadfastly on the right path is the key element at this stage, expressing his appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his government for assuming this responsibility with full awareness of the surrounding risks. He added that reliability is the cornerstone of the GCC and a fundamental pillar of international relations. “This stems from our deep belief that there is no alternative to a rules-based global order,” he explained.

He stated that steering the economy during crises requires a clear vision of achievable goals. “Kuwait needs partners to achieve its ambitious Vision 2035 and build a sustainable national economic base for the coming years. I welcome the close economic cooperation between Germany and Kuwait within the framework of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the GCC. I look forward to German companies joining their European partners in the business forum that will be held in conjunction with the EU-GCC ministerial meeting later this year,” he elaborated.

He expects Kuwait to host the next meeting of the Kuwait-Germany Joint Economic Committee in due course. “We should explore opportunities for cooperation to serve our common interests. German companies are ready to support these efforts,” he suggested. He went on to say that “as we all celebrate Ramadan in Kuwait, a month of mercy and solidarity, I am hopeful that the Kuwaiti government’s humanitarian efforts will continue to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflict, war, famine and displacement; particularly in Gaza, Syria and Sudan. Germany, like many other countries, has expressed its support for the Arab plan for Gaza and remains one of the largest contributors of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. We support any effort to extend the ceasefire and find solutions to meet the needs of the affected civilian population. We are closely monitoring the developments in Syria.

We are ready to support any political solution that contributes to achieving stability in the country and ensures the participation of all Syrians in shaping their future; regardless of their beliefs, ethnic background, or gender. Humanitarian aid alone is not enough, as it only addresses the symptoms, while the root causes of the problems that humanity is currently facing remain unresolved. The increasing use of violence and aggression to achieve certain interests has made the world more dangerous.”

He also stressed that “while the peaceful settlement of conflicts remains the ultimate goal, Germany and Kuwait are committed to protecting the international order based on the rules and fundamental principles of international law; foremost among which are the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The dominance of force over the fate of the world will only lead to further chaos. Germany stood with Kuwait as part of the international coalition in 1990/1991 when it was a victim of aggression. It will continue its support for Ukraine today for the same reasons and in accordance with the same principle.”

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff