UK envoy concludes tenure, commemorates strengthening Britain-Kuwait relations
During her four-year tenure as the UK’s first female Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis achieved significant milestones that deepened the UK-Kuwait relationship.
Enhancing Strategic Cooperation
Lewis launched the UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue, a high-level framework that has enhanced political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries. This dialogue has facilitated multiple visits by Kuwaiti leadership, including three visits of His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the UK, which included a formal meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace and another in Scotland marking 125 years of UK-Kuwait diplomatic relations.
Boosting Trade and Investment
Under Lewis's stewardship, bilateral trade flourished, reaching an impressive £6.1 billion annually. Several landmark agreements were signed, including government-to-government defense procurement mechanisms, multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and the historic 2023 Sovereign Investment Partnership, which deepened investment cooperation.
Strengthening Defense and Political Ties
Lewis hosted His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh during a special visit to Kuwait and welcomed four UK Cabinet Ministers and numerous senior officials, sustaining strong bilateral engagement momentum. She also contributed actively to four Joint Steering Groups focusing on shared strategic priorities and mutual interests.
Humanitarian Efforts
The UK and Kuwait have collaborated on several humanitarian initiatives, delivering critical aid to Gaza, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. These efforts included coordinated funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
Cultural Highlights
Lewis recalled her experiences at Ramadan diwaniyas and the traditional Al-Qaffal ceremony as cultural highlights of her tenure in Kuwait.
Looking Forward
Ambassador Lewis voiced her strong belief that the UK-Kuwait partnership will continue to flourish in the years ahead, across trade, security, education, culture, and climate. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Kuwaiti people for their warmth and hospitality.
As Lewis prepares to leave her role, she shared her confidence that her successor, Qudsi Rasheed, arriving in September, will find great fulfillment in his new role.
Increased Visits and Students
The UK-Kuwait relations are being strengthened, as evidenced by the increased number of visits and students from Kuwait. In 2024, Kuwaiti citizens made 162,000 visits to the UK, a 6% increase from 2023. Over 10,000 Kuwaiti students are currently enrolled in British universities.
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme was rolled out for Kuwaiti nationals in February 2024, further facilitating travel between the two countries.
Kuwait Airways operates 19 weekly flights to London and Manchester from Kuwait. The Duke of Edinburgh also visited Kuwait during Lewis's tenure, and His Highness the Amir visited the UK five times. Kuwait hosted four UK Cabinet Ministers, most recently Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP.
[1] UK-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue
[2] UK-Kuwait Relations
[4] UK-Kuwait Joint Steering Groups
- Despite her departure from the UK's Ambassador role in Kuwait, Ambassador Lewis remains optimistic about the future of the UK-Kuwait relationship, foreseeing growth not just in politics but also in sectors like travel, as evidenced by the increase in Kuwaiti visits to the UK in 2024.
- Amidst her immersion in the culture of Kuwait, Ambassador Lewis found the experiences at Ramadan diwaniyas and the Al-Qaffal ceremony to be significant, a reflection of her personal interest in broadening the relationship between the two countries beyond politics, encompassing cultural exchanges and lifestyle engagements.
