Sheikh Hamdan meets Emir of Kuwait on official visit

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, met Sheikh Meshal, the Emir of Kuwait, during an official visit to the country on Tuesday.

He also met Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, and Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Al Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior.

"Visiting Kuwait always feels like being among family and friends. Through this visit, I look forward to strengthening the ties that have united our peoples for over 60 years, as well as enhancing co-operation, and advancing the shared vision of our leaders," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X.

"We wish Kuwait continued prosperity and success, guided by the leadership of its Emir and strengthened by the determination of its people."

Sheikh Hamdan led a high-level UAE delegation, with talks focusing on the continuing consultation and co-ordination between the two countries, state news agency Wam reported.

He praised Kuwait's "remarkable progress across various sectors", the Dubai Government Media Office reported, particularly its efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Sheikh Hamdan was said to have highlighted the strong fraternal and historical relations between the countries, which provide a solid foundation for continued co-operation that promises to strengthen Gulf collaboration.

The meeting also reviewed the situation in the Middle East and the global challenges that call for increased international co-operation.

"The two leaders also stressed the importance of finding effective solutions to mitigate the effects of conflicts and wars, which ultimately impede development, and shatter aspirations for a secure and stable future that assures universal progress and prosperity," Dubai Government Media Office said.

In a later meeting with Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, held at Bayan Palace, Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the "exceptional level of co-operation between the UAE and Kuwait" and their shared vision to expand partnerships.

Also on Tuesday, Sheikh Hamdan discussed bilateral strategic relations and the potential to further enhance co-operation across various spheres to support the development goals of both nations with Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait.

Meeting Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Al Sabah, Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Hamdan explored ways to strengthen co-ordination in the defence and military sectors. The two men visited Al Salam Palace Museum, where Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the archaeological and national significance of the cultural landmark, as well as its historical value and the collections it houses.

He concluded his visit to the country shortly after 9pm on Tuesday. It follows an official visit to Uzbekistan in September, where Sheikh Hamdan led a high-level delegation for talks with several officials to "explore avenues for strengthening co-operation and expanding bilateral relations between the two nations".

Sheikh Hamdan met Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, and witnessed the signing of several agreements aimed at furthering partnerships between the countries at the Presidential Palace, in Tashkent.

It marked Sheikh Hamdan's first overseas engagement since being appointed to the UAE Cabinet in July. After a consultation with President Sheikh Mohamed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced a Cabinet reshuffle in which Sheikh Hamdan was named Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.