Pakistan, Kuwait agree to deepen cooperation as defence pact ratified

Pakistan and Kuwait have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, defence and other key sectors, while reaffirming their commitment to enhancing their longstanding strategic partnership, according to the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said on Wednesday that an understanding was reached during an important meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Kuwaiti foreign minister.

According to the spokesperson, both countries decided to establish joint working groups to enhance cooperation in trade, investment and energy, while separate working groups will be formed in information technology, agriculture, education and health sectors.

The two sides agreed to strengthen defence cooperation. The spokesperson said Kuwait has ratified the Pakistan-Kuwait Defence Cooperation Agreement 2023, describing the development as a significant milestone in the defence partnership between the two brotherly countries.

Welcoming the ratification, the Foreign Office said the agreement, which was signed in June 2023, reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kuwait to strengthen defence cooperation and elevate their security partnership. It noted that the foundations of defence ties between the two countries were laid in the early 1980s.

According to the statement, the agreement provides a comprehensive institutional framework for promoting defence cooperation, including military training, military education, joint military exercises, the exchange of defence expertise and experience, and other areas of cooperation to be mutually agreed upon.

The Foreign Office said the agreement would strengthen institutional linkages between the armed forces of both countries and reinforce their longstanding defence relationship. In line with its provisions, Pakistan and Kuwait will work closely for its effective implementation and continue expanding bilateral defence cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Ishaq Dar said the defence agreement would strengthen ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and Kuwait.

The spokesperson added that Pakistan and Kuwait also pledged to continue close cooperation at international forums, including the United Nations, while stressing the importance of maintaining high-level contacts.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister paid tribute to the valuable contributions of the Pakistani community living in Kuwait, the spokesperson said.

Reaffirming their shared commitment to expanding cooperation, the Foreign Office said the two countries would continue to strengthen their enduring defence partnership based on mutual trust, common interests and institutional cooperation, while playing their role in promoting peace, security and stability in the region.