Türkiye and Kuwait strengthen military and defense cooperation

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, confirmed that military and defense cooperation between Türkiye and Kuwait has been growing stronger, with recent high-level visits reinforcing the bilateral relationship.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Sonmez highlighted the continued momentum in the two countries’ relations following reciprocal visits by military delegations. On December 18, 2024, Kuwaiti Deputy Chief of General Staff, Air Marshal Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, paid an official visit to Türkiye. Earlier, on November 11, 2024, Türkiye’s Defense Industry President Haluk Gorgun visited Kuwait.

Sonmez noted the significance of these visits, particularly the recent one, as the last similar visit by a general staff-level official took place in February 2004. She emphasized that such exchanges are concrete examples of the mutual will to strengthen bilateral military ties.

“Although no agreements were signed during the visit, we aim to further enhance and expand our cooperation based on existing military agreements with Kuwait,” Sonmez said, underscoring the legal framework that underpins the growing collaboration.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Kuwait, a milestone commemorated with concerts, archival exhibitions, and promotional fairs, Sonmez added.

Türkiye- Kuwait defense cooperation

Sonmez also pointed out that cooperation in defense and military fields is increasingly flourishing. “Representatives of both armies regularly engage in military dialogue meetings. Military delegations from both sides participate together in multinational and bilateral exercises hosted either in Türkiye or Kuwait, enhancing operational capabilities,” she explained.

She also recalled that in 2023, a Turkish Special Forces team visited Kuwait for joint military exercises. Furthermore, the two nations are working closely on several defense projects, including the supply of advanced Turkish defense systems to Kuwait.

“Our relations with Kuwait are growing stronger across all areas, and I am pleased to report that both countries’ leadership is committed to further enhancing cooperation and diversifying our engagements,” Sonmez concluded.

The cooperation continued with another visit by Türkiye’s Chief of General Staff, General Metin Gürak, who was in Kuwait on January 7-8. During his visit, he met with Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Sauod Al-Sabah. The discussions focused on exploring further opportunities for bilateral military cooperation.