Foreign Affairs is an important portfolio. The main task of the Ministry is to define, implement and shape the nation’s foreign policy to meet the challenges of fast-changing regional and global developments. The Ministry is responsible for defining and shaping Kuwait’s relations with other countries, and its response to international issues and related subjects.
Kuwait’s Foreign Policy
In essence, Kuwait’s foreign policy is based on the principles of clarity, straightforwardness and quiet diplomacy. It aims at strengthening constructive cooperation with other countries on the basis of mutual respect, and non-intervention in the internal affairs in accordance with the principles of fairness and justice. Kuwait’s foreign policy is also concerned with the maintenance of its own independence, sovereignty and freedom of political decision.
The formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is an expression and extension of Kuwait’s primary foreign policy goals. Created on February 4, 1981, the GCC has based its work on these principles to intensify efforts towards broadening cooperation among its members. The Charter of the GCC was signed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia in May 1981. The GCC groups together countries that are similar in culture, political structure and legal framework. The preferred approach of the GCC States is political mediation, crisis management and balance of power politics. The Charter aims at establishing a free market aiming a currency union and free movement of labour among the member countries.
The Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) was set up under the GCC Charter to investigate and fund development projects within the GCC for the production of import substitutes. The GIC has made impressive strides in the various fields.
Kuwait is also a member of the Arab League, where it realises its belief in a common Arab destiny by enhancing its relations with the Arab States. Kuwait actively supports, and works for the advancement of the cardinal principles of the Arab League and all its associated organisations.
At the level of the Islamic States, Kuwait has achieved reasonable success in overcoming the obstacles that weaken Islamic cooperation. The fifth Islamic Conference hosted by Kuwait in January 1987 played a catalytic role towards attaining greater success.
Kuwait joined the United Nations on May 14, 1963 thereby becoming the 111th member of the world body. Kuwait has upheld the UN’s principle of constructive cooperation, based on peace, equality and justice, among the nations of the world. The UN, on its part, has reciprocated by lending international support to Kuwait during the invasion by Iraq. Kuwait has worked for strengthening the organisation and has pledged more funds to the UN corpus than its prescribed quota.
