On 18 March, European Union (EU) Ambassador Anne Koistinen hosted a Ramadan Ghabga with journalists and representatives from the media. The event served as an occasion to express appreciation for the strong cooperation between the EU Delegation in Kuwait and local media, as well as to discuss the deepening partnership between the EU and Kuwait.

In her welcoming remarks, Ambassador Koistinen highlighted her commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration between the EU and Kuwait and build on the already excellent and strong EU-Kuwait partnership. Ambassador Koistinen said “on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, I would like to send my warmest greetings to HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to Muslims inside and outside Kuwait.”

She added “Ramadan this year is rather different as people in the region and beyond are concerned with the suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza. My thoughts are with the people of Gaza, who are suffering from hunger, bombing and displacement. But I also don’t forget the Muslims suffering in other places in this region during this Holy Month, such as Sudan, Yemen and Syria. I sincerely hope that this Holy Month of Ramadan brings lasting peace in the Middle East, and across the world including in Europe, where Ukraine continues to fight for its freedom and independence.”

Ambassador Koistinen praised Kuwait’s continuous humanitarian support to the Palestinians and to UNRWA, which also remains a top priority for the European Union. She noted that, in fact, the European Union remains the top donor to the Palestinians worldwide. “We have mobilized 225 million Euros since October 7 on humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, and we have also increased our financial contributions to UNRWA.

The European Union transferred 50 million Euros to UNRWA early March, and will increase its emergency aid to the Palestinians by 68 million euros in 2024. We believe that there is no substitute to UNRWA and for the provision of services to Gaza and its 2 million inhabitants”, she said. Ambassador Koistinen highlighted the joint statement between the European Commission and other countries on the opening of a maritime corridor to deliver additional humanitarian aid to Gaza alongside plans for a temporary pier.

Ambassador Koistinen noted that financial and humanitarian support are not enough, and reiterated the EU’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict and advocating for the Two-State Solution. “I am pleased that the EU agrees with Kuwait on the utmost importance to find a way out of the conflict, and we both support the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which is an excellent proposal to build on”, she added.

She noted that the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell concern is not only limited to Gaza, as he has condemned the provocative announcements to expand the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. “The EU has clearly stated that it will not recognize any changes to the pre-1967 borders, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties”, Ambassador Koistinen added.

Ambassador Koistinen also noted EU’s concerns over the regional escalation and the effects it may have for instance on world trade, including trade between the Gulf and Europe. She mentioned the new EU defensive naval operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES to protect the freedom of navigation and merchant shipping through the Red Sea and the Gulf. Ambassador Koistinen said that she was really excited to experience for the first time Ramadan traditions in Kuwait, including ghabgas and diwaniyas. She emphasized the significance of these gatherings in fostering family bonds, community spirit, reflection, and generosity, which are central to the essence of Ramadan.

She said that millions of EU Muslim citizens and residents from diverse backgrounds come together during this Holy Month, hosting various events such as iftars and interfaith initiatives. These celebrations, she noted, exemplify the EU’s motto of “united in diversity.” Ambassador Koistinen highlighted significant milestones and achievements in EU-Kuwait relations, such as the adoption of more favorable Schengen visa rules for Kuwaiti citizens in September 2023, allowing Kuwaiti citizens to obtain multiple entry visas with a validity of up to 5 years since the first application.

She also pointed out to the successful rounds of Senior Officials Meeting and Human Rights Dialogue between the EU and Kuwait in December 2023, and the robust trade and investment relation. On the Schengen visa waiver file, Ambassador Koistinen made it clear that advancing the visa free travel for Kuwaitis remains one of her priorities during her mandate. She expressed hope that the new European Parliament following the elections in June will look favorably into the Schengen visa waiver proposal for Kuwaiti citizens.

Ambassador Koistinen underscored the commitment of both the EU and Kuwait to promoting prosperity, stability, and peace in the region, evidenced by fruitful cooperation in various areas including women’s empowerment, green transition, and climate change initiatives, which will continue to build on the strong EU-Kuwait relations in the framework of the EU’s Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf. Ambassador Koistinen concluded by saying that the EU Delegation in Kuwait has plans to mark Europe month in Kuwait this May.

 

 

 

 

Kuwait Times