I will leave Kuwait after three wonderful years to take up my new role as EU Ambassador to Qatar, where I will oversee the opening of the first EU Delegation in Doha, as I did in 2019, when I led the opening of the first EU Delegation in Kuwait. This reflects the growing relations between the EU and the Gulf states, which were  strengthened after the European Commission and the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published its Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf last May. This strategy aims at expanding cooperation between the European Union and GCC countries.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, only six months after the opening of our delegation in Kuwait, we were able to reach many milestones thanks to the distinguished cooperation with the Amir, the government and the people of Kuwait.

These achievements were culminated by the first ever visit of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to Kuwait last March. The visit focused on  mutual cooperation in areas  such as health, food security, education as well as digital and green transitions.

When I speak with my Kuwaiti friends, I am impressed by their extensive knowledge of the EU, due to their extensive travel throughout European countries. Therefore, I am proud that I contributed to the European Commission’s proposal to exempt Kuwaiti citizens from the requirements of the Schengen visa, which of course reflects the importance of Kuwait as a major partner for the EU.

Ukraine still faces a brutal Russian aggression. The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russia to limit its ability to finance its aggression against Ukraine. The increase in world food prices is not due to these sanctions, but rather to the deliberate destruction of Ukrainian agricultural facilities by the Russians.

The European Union has progressed in its efforts to reduce its dependence on  Russian oil and gas imports, as well as diversifying energy sources and accelerating the use of renewable energy. I am confident that Ukraine will eventually emerge victorious and the invaders will be defeated.

Kuwait will remain my second home, as I will leave it with fond memories including its vibrant Diwaniyas and the delicious Kuwaiti food. I will always remember our first Europe Day celebration in Kuwait, which was held in Al-Shaheed Park, which is close to my heart and the hearts of all Kuwaitis. I have also cherished memories of the remarkable participation of Kuwaiti youth in that event, including Kuwaiti musicians, who charmed the audience with their music. I will miss Kuwait and its people, and Kuwait will always remain a close and reliable friend to me and the European Union.

God bless you and stay safe Kuwait.

H.E. Ambassador Cristian Tudor, Head of the European Union Delegation to Kuwait

Original OpEd published in Al Qabas newspaper in Arabic