The United States and Kuwait held the sixth round of their Strategic Dialogue virtually from December 9-11, 2024, following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya in Washington on September 30, 2024. This dialogue underscored the deepening partnership between the two nations, focused on shared interests in regional stability, security, and prosperity.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The discussions highlighted pathways to enhance cooperation in key areas, including defense, cybersecurity, trade and investment, health, climate change, education, cultural partnerships, human rights, women’s empowerment, and artificial intelligence. Both sides emphasized their commitment to resolving challenges in these sectors, further solidifying the 60-year relationship between the two countries.
The dialogue celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Kuwait’s liberation during Operation Desert Storm, underscoring the enduring nature of their partnership. The virtual meetings also demonstrated the breadth of the U.S.-Kuwait relationship, involving numerous experts and a call for exploring additional cooperation through new agreements.
International and Regional Priorities
The U.S. and Kuwait discussed key international and regional issues, including Kuwait’s presidency of the GCC Supreme Council and bilateral development cooperation through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and USAID. They also focused on joint development projects in Yemen and the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network.
Both nations reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with agreed land swaps. They called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of detainees and hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and support for international and regional peace efforts.
Iraq’s Sovereignty and Border Issues
The two governments reiterated the importance of Iraq’s respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the implementation of UNSC Resolution 833, which pertains to the demarcation of the maritime border between Kuwait and Iraq. They stressed the need for the complete resolution of border issues in line with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The U.S. and Kuwait also called for the full implementation of the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Agreement regarding maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, and for progress on issues such as the repatriation of Kuwaiti nationals and the return of Kuwaiti property and national archives.
Regional Security and Iran
On regional security, both countries stressed the need for de-escalation and urged Iran to cease its support for non-state actors, respect sovereignty, and engage in peaceful dialogue. They also called on Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and to halt its nuclear program’s expansion that lacks credible civilian justification.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Both nations celebrated their strong defense partnership, including Kuwait’s hosting of U.S. forces, and welcomed the successful 15th meeting of the U.S.-Kuwait Joint Military Committee. The dialogue reaffirmed efforts to combat terrorism, enhance cybersecurity, and promote human rights. They also discussed mutual investments in renewable energy, health security, and climate change mitigation.
Looking ahead, the U.S. and Kuwait look forward to continuing their collaboration in the seventh round of the Strategic Dialogue, which will take place in 2025 in the United States.