Middle East Monitoring Desk Islamabad
Kuwait has issued a decree-law approving a defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan, formalizing a framework for collaboration between the two countries in a range of military and security-related fields.
The decree, published in the latest issue of the official gazette Kuwait Alyawm, approves the agreement signed in Kuwait on June 11, 2023.
According to the agreement, the cooperation aims to strengthen defence ties and establish a framework for collaboration in military training, education and armed forces cooperation, in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries and their international obligations.
The agreement covers a broad range of areas, including military training and education, logistical cooperation, the exchange of military personnel, technical experts and specialists, scientific and technological cooperation, military intelligence, and other areas that may be agreed upon by both sides.
To implement the agreement, the two countries will prepare annual plans through executive protocols and programs. The agreement also provides for enhanced cooperation through the exchange of official visits at various levels.
A joint military committee will be established to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the agreement. The committee, headed by representatives appointed by the defense ministers of both countries, will meet once a year.
The agreement includes provisions for the protection of confidential information exchanged between the two sides. It stipulates that classified documents, information and materials may not be shared with a third party without the written consent of the originating party.
Both countries also undertake to maintain the confidentiality of exchanged information, with the obligation continuing even after the agreement ends.
Under the financial arrangements, the agreement is based on the principle of reciprocity. The receiving country will bear the cost of internal official travel, accommodation and emergency medical treatment for visiting delegations during agreed official visits.
The agreement further states that its provisions will not affect the rights or obligations of either country under other international treaties or agreements.
It also provides that any dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of the agreement will be resolved amicably through consultations between the two parties and will not be referred to any third party or domestic or international court.
Earlier in June 2023, Kuwait and Pakistan signed Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries in Kuwait Ministry of Defense. Ambassador Malik Muhammad Farooq signed the agreement on behalf of Pakistan, while Brigadier General Fawaz Khudair Muhammad Al-Harbi, the Joint Planning Director, Ministry of Defence signed from Kuwait side.
Representatives from the Kuwait Ministry of Defence and the visiting Pakistani military delegation led by Major General Waseem Iftikhar Cheema and Brigadier Muhammad Asim, Pakistan Defence Attache were present. The two sides appreciated the instrumental role of Brigadier Muhammad Asim, Defence Attache of Pakistan to Kuwait in finalization of the Agreement. Brigadier General Fahad Al-Otaibi from Ministry of Defence, Kuwait and senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait also attended the signing ceremony. Both the dignitaries welcomed the signing of the agreement and expressed the hope that the agreement will help expand the defence cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Farooq thanked the Kuwaiti authorities for the excellent arrangements for the visiting Pakistani delegation. Major General Waseem Iftikhar Cheema and Brigadier General Fawaz Khudair Muhammad Al-Harbi exhibited resolve to strengthen the bilateral cooperation through strong defence ties.
In Nov 2023, Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir called on Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and held a detailed meeting with him involving discussions on matters of mutual interest.
The Army Chief was accompanied by Minister for Law and Justice and Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ahmad Irfan Aslam. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan Ambassador to Kuwait Malik Mohammad Farooq.
MoUs were signed for mutual cooperation in various sectors including manpower, information technology, minerals and mining, food security, energy and defence.
