KUWAIT, Jan 29 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed strong and distinctive Kuwait-UAE ties, representing exceptional cooperation and mutual affection, reflected in strategic partnerships across all sectors.
Speaking at the opening of the sixth session of the Kuwait-UAE Joint Higher Committee on Thursday, Al-Yahya welcomed the meeting as a milestone in the historic fraternal relations between the two countries.
He noted the committee's key role in enhancing coordination and advancing bilateral ties in line with regional and international developments.
He said the guidance of the two countries' leaderships provides a clear strategic framework for deeper cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
Al-Yahya also praised UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan's initiative to launch a national campaign celebrating bilateral relations under the slogan "UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever," coinciding with the committee's meetings, as a reflection of deep-rooted bonds and mutual esteem between the two peoples and leaderships.
For his part, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said the relationship is founded on deep historical and human ties laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah and continues to grow under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He highlighted the UAE President's designation of a celebratory week for bilateral ties as a new milestone honoring decades of shared values, aligned visions and a common destiny.
He reaffirmed the UAE's view of Kuwait as a strategic partner, citing record trade in 2024 exceeding USD 13.5 billion, with the UAE as Kuwait's top Gulf and Arab trading partner and second globally, and the leading destination for Kuwait's non-oil exports.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also pointed to advanced health cooperation, noting the organ exchange program launched in 2021 that has resulted in 153 transplants for Kuwaiti recipients, reflecting high levels of coordination and operational readiness between the two sides.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel, along with senior state officials.
On the UAE side, attendees included Minister of Community Empowerment Shamma Al-Mazrui, Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmad Al-Sayegh, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah Al-Marri, as well as senior UAE officials. (end) ns.dm