‘No plans to cut embassies costs’
Schengen remains on hold: Ma’arafi
KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Ambassador Sadeq Ma’arafi, Kuwait’s Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no plans to reduce expenses on its embassies in Europe, reports Al-Jarida daily.
On the contrary, he said, there is an inclination towards expansion. He made this statement during the celebration of King’s Day at the Dutch Embassy, attended by a diverse gathering of Arab and foreign ambassadors, diplomats, military attachés, and Kuwaiti citizens.
Ma’arafi commended the strong Kuwaiti-Dutch relations, particularly in economic and commercial realms, highlighting the significance of energy cooperation. As Kuwait and the Netherlands mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, Maarafi emphasized the Netherlands’ role as a vital economic partner, boasting over 200 Kuwaiti gas stations across Europe.
Regarding the issue of Kuwaiti exemption from the Schengen visa, Ma’arafi mentioned the upcoming European Parliament elections and the possibility of policy changes depending on committee formations.
Ma’arafi also shared updates on his ongoing tours to European countries and meetings with heads of European diplomatic missions, praising the fruitful discussions during his recent visit to Turkey.
In response, Dutch Ambassador Laurens Westhoff underscored the shared principles between Kuwait and the Netherlands, emphasizing their commitment to a rulesbased international order.
He recalled instances of joint cooperation, including during the Gulf War when the Royal Dutch Navy participated in the coalition to liberate Kuwait.
Over the six decades of diplomatic relations, Kuwait and the Netherlands have collaborated across various sectors, holding ministerial meetings, engaging in political consultations, and supporting the international system for mutual growth and prosperity.
Westhoff emphasized the need for new partnerships to address contemporary challenges such as food security and climate change.
He expressed eagerness to forge collaborations with Kuwaiti research institutions like the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, and Kuwait University to tap into the untapped potential of their relationship.