The visit of Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday marks a significant milestone in the growing historical brotherly relations between the two countries.
The visit underscores the continuous efforts by both nations to develop and enhance relations at all levels, which Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, greatly values.
This visit holds particular significance for several reasons, most notably being the Emir’s first visit to the UAE since assuming power following the demise of the late Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, on December 16th last year.
The anticipated summit between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah marks the first meeting between the leaders since Sheikh Mishal’s ascension to power.
The discussions between the two sides are expected to outline a roadmap for bolstering the historical relations between the countries and expanding their horizons, in addition to exploring ways to enhance the Gulf Cooperation Council’s journey and Arab solidarity in general.
Top of the agenda for the leaders’ talks will likely be the most pressing Arab issues and regional and international developments, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza, reflecting the shared vision of both countries on the immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression on Gaza and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.
The visit is also notably significant as it concludes Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s first Gulf tour since his inauguration, having visited Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and concluding in the UAE on Tuesday.
The Gulf Cooperation Council’s foreign ministers emphasized in the concluding statement of their 159th ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Sunday that Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visits to the council’s states reflect the strength of relations and close ties among the council’s leaders.
They expressed confidence that Sheikh Mishal, with his renowned wisdom, would enhance Kuwait’s active participation in advancing the blessed journey of the council towards achieving its noble goals alongside his fellow council leaders, ensuring the security of the council and establishing stability and prosperity for its states and peoples.
The visit also holds special significance as it occurs shortly after Kuwait’s national celebrations, which saw prominent participation from the UAE, further cementing the bonds of love and brotherhood between the two nations.
Kuwait celebrates its National Day on February 25th each year, marking its independence from British colonialism 63 years ago, while February 26th commemorates Liberation Day, the anniversary of its liberation from Iraqi invasion in 1991.
National occasions in both countries become a joint celebration, embodying the bonds of brotherhood, love, and shared destiny, with the brotherly relations and historical ties growing stronger year after year.
This was evident in the celebration held in the UAE, organized by the Kuwaiti Embassy in the UAE, attended by high-level Emirati officials, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to the UAE, Jamal Al-Ghunaim, praised the close and historical relations between the two brotherly nations across political, economic, and social dimensions, describing them as “an exceptional model.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a congratulatory cable to Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the occasion of Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day, expressing his wishes for further progress and prosperity for Kuwait and its people.
He tweeted: “I extend my congratulations to my brother Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the brotherly people of Kuwait on their National Day, praying to God for more progress and prosperity for Kuwait and its people.”
“The UAE-Kuwait relations are brotherly and deep-rooted, and in cooperation with my brother Sheikh Mishal, we continue to strengthen and develop them for the benefit of both countries and their peoples.”
The strategic partnership between the UAE and Kuwait continues to grow under the support and patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
In the latest developments in cooperation between the two countries, the UAE and Kuwait signed an agreement on February 11th to avoid double taxation.
Dr. Anwar Ali Al-Mudhaf, Kuwait’s Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, highlighted the importance of the agreement regarding income and capital taxes and preventing tax evasion and avoidance.
He stated that the agreement is part of the economic and financial integration journey and the free movement of capital between the UAE and Kuwait, expecting it to have positive effects on the citizens and investors of both brotherly nations
