Ottawa, 9 April 2022 (TDI): The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
The Prime Ministers discussed the serious humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. In addition, they discussed the importance of an immediate cease-fire. Meanwhile, they agreed on the need to work together to provide humanitarian assistance to those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Moreover, Prime Minister Trudeau invited Kuwait to participate in the “Stand Up For Ukraine” campaign pledging event on April 9. He is convening the event along with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people.
Likewise, The two leaders noted the close relationship between Canada and Kuwait. Recently, the Governor-General of Canada visited Kuwait on March 22 and 23 to enhance bilateral relations. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed Canada’s appreciation for Kuwait hosting the Canadian Armed Forces at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Furthermore, he thanked Prime Minister Al-Sabah for Kuwait’s support in helping Canada evacuate over 3,700 Canadians and Afghans from Afghanistan last August.
The Prime Ministers agreed to continue their cooperation in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the war’s impact on global food security and energy supplies.
Canada-Kuwait Relations
The State of Kuwait and Canada established official diplomatic relations in 1965. According to the Kuwaiti embassy in Canada “It [the relationship] was characterized by a high level of cooperation and understanding on various levels and witnessed distinctive and historical stages based on the common interests that bind the two countries together.”
Moreover, the Canadian Armed Forces aided the Armed Forces of Kuwait and coalition allies in the Gulf War. Since 2011, Kuwait has hosted Canada’s Operational Support Detachment to support Canadian Armed Forces operations. According to an estimate, almost 7,000 Canadians live and work in Kuwait.
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