KUWAIT CITY, Aug 31: “Given the evolving political landscape and increasing tensions in the Middle East, the United States of America remains fully committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Gulf countries, and Kuwait plays a vital role in these efforts,” said the US Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Karen Sasahara.

Addressing the Kuwaiti media at the US Embassy , Thursday , the US envoy added, “The US is deeply engaged in the region, both militarily and diplomatically. The US presence is evident through operations in the Red Sea, the deployment of carrier groups, and the constant communication the US maintains with Kuwaiti partners.” “This collaboration,” she added, “extends from military exchanges between Kuwait and the Pentagon to diplomatic visits between Washington and Kuwait. The primary goal of this partnership is to ensure regional stability and prevent any escalation of conflicts.

This is achieved through continuous information exchange and close coordination with our Kuwaiti allies, reflecting our shared interest in maintaining peace and security.” The US prioritizes stability in the Gulf, as it is essential for the continued well-being and economic prosperity of the region. Stability ensures that people can live their lives peacefully and that commercial activities can proceed without disruption. Recent events, such as the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have targeted international shipping and taken crew members hostage, are deeply concerning and unacceptable, she added. She stressed, the United States of America is working closely with Gulf partners to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation, which is a fundamental doctrine of US policy.

This is crucial for keeping shipping lanes open, as they are vital for global trade, with up to 30 percent of container ships passing through the region. The stability of these lanes has significant implications, not just for the Gulf, but for the global economy, affecting countries like Egypt and Jordan and exacerbating their economic difficulties. Ensuring stability and freedom of navigation in the Gulf is, therefore, a critical priority for the US and its partners, she added.

On the issue of evolution of military cooperation between Kuwait and the US, she stressed, the military cooperation between Kuwait and the United States has been continuous over the years, reflecting the changing dynamics in both nations and the broader Middle East region. This relationship, which was solidified during the liberation of Kuwait over three decades ago, has since grown deeper and more multifaceted. “Our commitment to equip and train the Kuwaiti army remains strong. The recent Joint Military Commission meeting held here in Kuwait in June is a concrete indication of this commitment. A large delegation from Washington participated, engaging in a full day of discussions and bilateral meetings with the Minister of Defense. “This provided an excellent opportunity for our senior representatives to update the Minister on developments in Washington and to hear directly from him about Kuwait’s activities. “The discussions were extensive, covering various aspects of our security partnership and addressing potential contingencies in the region. This ongoing dialogue is crucial; it’s not something that stops but is a continuous, daily process.

Both countries engage in constant consultations to assess and adapt their partnership in response to the immediate and larger regional security environment. Regarding recent threats, such as those posed by pro-Iranian Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, the US military presence in Kuwait has taken appropriate measures in response, calling it ‘a self-defense action based on credible intelligence of imminent threats. The US military, in close coordination with Kuwaiti counterparts, remains on high alert to respond swiftly to any new threats. This vigilant posture is crucial in a tumultuous region, where the security situation can change rapidly.

“Maintaining a high level of alertness, exchanging information with our partners, and keeping a vigilant eye on developments are all crucial. The security in Kuwait is exceptionally strong. We have a very robust security architecture in place and a continuous flow of information between Kuwait and Washington,” she said.

In light of threats, the security of the US Embassy in Kuwait and the personal security of its staff, including high-ranking officials, are of utmost priority. While the US embassy and its personnel are always on high alert, this vigilance is part of routine security measures; and has a strong security framework in place, supported by close cooperation between military and diplomatic personnel. Despite the high alert, daily activities continue with normalcy, reflecting confidence in the security arrangements. The active engagement of US diplomats in public life and their continued presence at various events across Kuwait demonstrate the effectiveness of these security measures.

As the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East continues to shift, Kuwait and the US remain committed to working together closely. This cooperation is marked by honesty, transparency, and a shared commitment to regional stability and security. The relationship is dynamic, constantly being reviewed and strengthened to meet the challenges of the present and future. Speaking of the humanitarian collaboration in the Gulf region she said, “I want to highlight that Kuwait was among the first countries to swiftly establish a humanitarian assistance air bridge following the events of October 7. Kuwait has been actively involved in this effort in cooperation with neighboring countries, and this prompt response was crucial -- it’s just what Kuwait does. “We regularly consult with Kuwait and coordinate our humanitarian assistance programs in full alignment with the neighboring countries, especially under the auspices of the UN. It is vital that as much humanitarian aid as possible reaches those in need every day.

“As we move forward, we’ll be narrowing down the dates. This dialogue will be an important opportunity to focus on strengthening our bilateral relationship and leveraging the opportunities available for both sides, both here in Kuwait and in the US. The timing will be coordinated to ensure it fits well with both our schedules and any upcoming events or elections.” When asked if changes in the presidency can lead to shifts in specific policies, such as decisions on treaties or new initiatives, she said, there is fundamental bedrock of policies and core values that remain consistent regardless of who is in the White House. Long-standing relationships, whether in Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, are built on shared values and mutual interests, which help maintain a steady course in foreign policy. For instance, the depth of military cooperation between the US and Kuwait, spanning multiple generations, reflects this stability. The alignment of values and goals between the US and Kuwait, including the direction set by His Highness the Amir, underscores the continuity in our partnership.

Despite changes in leadership, these enduring relationships and shared values provide a solid foundation for ongoing collaboration and mutual support. The US and Kuwait have a wide array of significant agreements that span multiple sectors, including cultural, commercial, and military domains. These agreements form the foundation of the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. While a comprehensive catalog of all agreements may not be readily available, the ongoing cooperation between the US and Kuwait is supported by a strong legal and diplomatic framework. This allows for the continuous development of new agreements to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. On the investment front, she said, the opportunities for American businesses in Kuwait are in the area of infrastructure development, healthcare sector, higher education, oil and gas technology, media and arts, she said. In the infrastructure sector, Kuwait offers significant opportunities for American companies. This includes road construction, power generation, and other critical infrastructure projects. Given the harsh climate, American expertise in building durable infrastructure in similar environments, such as the southwestern United States, is particularly valuable.

The healthcare sector presents numerous opportunities, ranging from nursing and surgical services to specialized training programs. American hospitals, like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, have established strong reputations among Kuwaiti patients. Expanding these relationships through exchanges of medical professionals and collaborative projects could further enhance ties in this sector. With Kuwait’s significant oil and gas industry, there are opportunities for American companies specializing in high-tech services and drilling technologies. The annual Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, attended by Kuwaiti businesses, highlights the interest in collaboration in this sector. The US Embassy in Kuwait, through its Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) office, plays a pivotal role in facilitating investment opportunities for American businesses and actively supports these efforts, ensuring that American businesses can successfully navigate and invest in the Kuwaiti market. The embassy’s initiatives, such as the Select USA program and industry-specific delegations, are crucial in fostering these commercial ties.

The US and Kuwait also continue to explore and expand opportunities for commercial collaboration. At the personal level, Ambassador Sasahara said having been in Kuwait for about nine months, “I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of the country. During this time, I’ve participated in various social gatherings, such as Diwaniyas and Iftar, and engaged with government officials, NGOs, and people from all walks of life. This experience has greatly expanded my knowledge and connection to Kuwait.” The US envoy went on to say, “Reflecting on my time here, I’ve been struck by the incredible warmth, hospitality, and openness of the Kuwaiti people. While I’ve lived in several Gulf countries and other parts of the Middle East, the welcome I’ve received here has been particularly remarkable. Kuwaitis have invited me into their homes, engaged in candid conversations, and made me feel truly integrated into their society, where free speech and inclusion are deeply valued.

“Over these months,” she said, “I’ve become familiar with various aspects of Kuwaiti life and developments, especially as the country undergoes significant changes with a new government and fresh vision. We’ve explored numerous projects across sectors like healthcare, education, and security, with a keen interest in expanding commercial opportunities. The establishment of offices for companies like Google and Johnson & Johnson highlights the progress we’ve made, and we aim to build on these strong commercial ties.”

“As summer ends and Kuwaitis return from their travels, it feels like a new phase is beginning. We’re considering what initiatives to focus on next, particularly in infrastructure and transportation, in alignment with government signals. We’re also exploring new areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and media collaborations, preparing for significant events like the upcoming 79th General Assembly in New York,” she added. In addition to ongoing projects, she concluded saying, the US is exploring new areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and media collaborations, like the work with Netflix. “As we approach the 79th General Assembly in New York, it will be a significant event later this month, we’re preparing to reaffirm our commitments and continue these important discussions. There’s a lot of exciting potential ahead, and I’m eager to see how we can continue to be a strong partner in these developments.”

By Paulo Francisco X. Fernandes
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff