Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad delivers letter from Amir to British Premier

LONDON: Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterday discussed the possibility of UK contributions to His Highness the Amir's 'New Kuwait 2035' development plan. Britain's involvement in the "research and implementation phase" was the topic of talks with Secretary of State for International Development Rory Stewart, according to Kuwait's Embassy in London.

The First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser delivered a detailed briefing on the strategy, aimed at transforming Kuwait into a lucrative financial and trade destination. The talks took into consideration the UK's position, being "home to leading global economic expertise and its distinguished role in development." The two sides also discussed Kuwait's proposed northern economic trade zone and the possibility of benefiting from Britain's long-standing expertise in the management of global financial hubs, like Hong Kong and Gibraltar.


LONDON: Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets with Lord Mayor of London Peter K Estlin. — KUNA photos

British experience
Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad had also held talks with Lord Mayor of the City of London Peter K Estlin and representatives of British major economic institutions and corporations on Thursday. His visit to the financial district of London (the City) falls in the framework of Kuwait's effort to realize the vision of His Highness the Amir, dubbed as the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, according to a press release by Kuwait Embassy.

Sheikh Nasser Sabah highlighted the need to draw on the British experience in developing the financial services, and the promotion of development in such areas as education, energy, healthcare, technology, security, defense, ICT, economy and digital economy. In the meantime, Lord Mayor Estlin stated readiness of the city to share experience with the Kuwaiti side and help realize the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, particularly the implementation of northern economic zone project. The British side are ready to contribute to the study and implementation of the key infrastructure projects and the management of the financial market as well as the projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the statement added.

Amir's letter

Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad had delivered on Thursday a letter from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to British Prime Minister Theresa May. British Minister of Cabinet Office David Lidington received the letter, which focused on bilateral relations, on behalf of Premier May.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad held talks in London with British Secretary of Defense Penny Mordaunt. The talks tackled efforts to buttress bilateral ties and regional issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by Kuwait's Defense Ministry Undersecretary Sheikh Ahmad Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and several other fellow ministry officials.

Furthermore, Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad visited the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. Sheikh Nasser examined the Crown Jewels which constituted an important part of Britain's history spanning over 800 years, and included regalia and vestments worn by British kings and queens at their coronations. The Crown Jewels are masterpieces which reflected the culture of every era, thus depicting a chain of historic events about the British throne. - KUNA