Italy emphasized its strong support for Kuwait in challenging regional circumstances. The Italian ambassador, Lorenzo Mori Ni, at a ceremony at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, announced the presence of 400 Italian military personnel in Kuwait during recent crises and reaffirmed Rome's commitment to support Kuwait in times of crisis.
Italian military presence in Kuwait
Mori Ni said: "In February, about 400 Italian soldiers were stationed in Kuwait" and added that most of them were based at an airbase. He noted that these forces had to spend weeks in shelters and endured this period with deep difficulties and despair. However, despite these hardships, they remained in Kuwait.
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The Italian ambassador continued: "Their continuous presence indicates that Italy is aware that the Kuwaiti armed forces may need support from their international partners in times of crisis." He added: "Our soldiers were there and ready to provide assistance." Mori Ni also emphasized the importance of the strategic relationship between Italy and Kuwait, which is based on mutual trust, shared values, and long-term cooperation.
Development of bilateral relations and future plans
Mori Ni referred to Italy's participation in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 and its assistance in modernizing the armed forces of the country, stating: "Italian soldiers have stood by Kuwait in all circumstances, even in the toughest times." He described the recent visit of Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, to Kuwait as a historic milestone that has created new opportunities to strengthen relations.
During this visit, Meloni met with Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, and signed several agreements. Mori Ni added: "This visit led to the adoption of the Italy-Kuwait Action Plan for the years 2027 to 2030, which is a roadmap for cooperation in the next four years."
He also emphasized the importance of political, defense, economic, cultural, and social cooperation, stating: "In the coming months, my priority will be to work on the full implementation of this foundational document." Mori Ni will closely collaborate with Kuwaiti representatives, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to achieve the goals of this program.
The Italian ambassador also paid tribute to the Italian soldiers who have been killed or injured while serving abroad. Senior Kuwaiti officials, diplomats, and military officials were also present at the ceremony.
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