Kuwait… 64 Years of Leadership and Impact at the Heart of Joint Arab Action

In a historic milestone that marked a pivotal turning point, solidifying its role as a fundamental and active player in both the Arab and international arenas, the State of Kuwait celebrates today, Sunday, the 64th anniversary of its accession to the League of Arab States.

This step, taken shortly after Kuwait’s independence, was far from a mere procedural formality. Rather, it declared a strategic vision by a nation that believed in the importance of solidarity and collective action—a new phase that transformed Kuwait from a young state into an influential force committed to the causes of its Arab nation and actively shaping the future of joint Arab endeavors.

Since gaining independence on June 19, 1961, Kuwait has directed its compass outward, shouldering the concerns and interests of Arab peoples and championing the causes of the Arab world. From supporting independence movements in its early years to fostering development, renaissance, and now issues of security and stability, Kuwait’s journey has been one of unwavering dedication.

Over six decades, Kuwait has spared no effort to strengthen the framework of joint Arab action, leveraging its diplomatic, developmental, and humanitarian capabilities for the benefit of its Arab nation—proving its steadfast commitment to enhancing Arab solidarity.

In this context, several Assistant Secretaries-General of the Arab League affirmed in separate statements to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that Kuwait has remained a cornerstone of the Arab system, contributing through its active presence to bolstering cooperation among sisterly Arab nations across all fields—politically, economically, culturally, and humanitarianly.

Political and Diplomatic Leadership
H.E. Ambassador Khaled Al-Manizlawi, Assistant Secretary-General for International Political Affairs, stated that Kuwait’s accession to the League was a pivotal moment in the journey of joint Arab action, marking the launch of a central Kuwaiti role characterized by wisdom, balance, and sincere engagement in Arab causes.

He added that Kuwait "has cemented its active presence within the Arab system since that date, consistently serving as a balanced voice advocating consensus and collective action in service of higher Arab interests." He praised the clear vision and balanced policies pursued by Kuwait under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, describing them as policies "rooted in Arab unity, the promotion of joint action, and the consolidation of a unified Arab presence in regional and international forums."

Ambassador Al-Manizlawi emphasized that "Kuwait is a pillar of the Arab order and a sincere, effective partner in crafting a unified Arab stance that reflects the aspirations of peoples for a more secure and prosperous future."

Unwavering Support for the Arab League
For his part, H.E. Ambassador Khalil Al-Thawadi, Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Affairs and National Security, told KUNA that "the League has received uninterrupted support and endorsement over the past six decades from Kuwait’s wise leadership," describing its role as "pioneering."

He noted that Kuwait has provided political, economic, developmental, and social support for all the League’s initiatives, particularly in sustainable development and the League’s aspirations for growth and progress across all fields. He recalled the pioneering efforts of the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (may God rest his soul), in supporting and establishing the Arab Economic Summit and Kuwait’s hosting of the first Arab Economic Summit in 2009.

Ambassador Al-Thawadi added that Kuwait is keen to involve its national competencies in the projects of the Arab League, with Kuwaiti figures holding vital positions within the organization—reflecting its commitment to strengthening institutional Arab action. He concluded by affirming that the Arab League looks forward to Kuwait and its wise leadership continuing to support the achievement of the League’s goals for growth and development.

Economic and Developmental Contributions
H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Al-Ajiri, Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, highlighted in a similar statement that "Kuwait, thanks to its wise policies and moderate diplomatic approach, has served as a bridge of communication among Arab states and a model for active efforts in achieving regional stability and development."

He pointed to Kuwait’s pioneering developmental role, particularly through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which has provided concessional loans and grants for infrastructure, education, health, and other vital sectors, while also facilitating the exchange of expertise.

Ambassador Al-Ajiri also noted Kuwait’s efforts in supporting Arab-African rapprochement, including its funding of a hospital at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa (2016) with a $5 million contribution—a testament to Kuwait’s sincere efforts to enhance regional cooperation and build bridges with neighboring nations.

Cultural and Media Leadership
On the cultural and social front, Ambassador Al-Ajiri highlighted Kuwait’s support for specialized Arab organizations such as the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). He noted that Kuwait’s selection as the "Capital of Arab Culture and Media for 2025" recognizes its cultural and media contributions, including unifying Arab media discourse.

Kuwait has played a leading role in enriching Arab content and strengthening shared cultural identity, hosting numerous cultural and artistic events while supporting initiatives to promote awareness, knowledge, and cultural exchange among Arab states—exemplified by its sponsorship of the Arab Media Excellence Award, which seeks to elevate Arab media discourse.

Commitment to the Palestinian Cause
Regarding the Palestinian cause—the central issue of the Arab world—Kuwait has never wavered in its support since joining the Arab League, making it a "national cause" for decades. It has tirelessly defended Palestinian rights in all international forums.

Ambassador Al-Ajiri praised Kuwait’s continuous efforts to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including relief and humanitarian aid to Gaza, and its calls for a just and comprehensive solution that fulfills Palestinian aspirations.

Diplomatic Resilience
Even during its darkest hours following the brutal Iraqi invasion in 1990, Kuwait adhered to the principles of quiet, wise diplomacy, seeking to resolve conflicts through dialogue and understanding. It remained a voice of reason and balance in Arab and international forums, upholding international legitimacy and the rights of nations.

Economic Integration and Arab Unity
H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ali Al-Maliki, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Affairs, told KUNA that Kuwait has adopted a steadfast approach focused on supporting Arab economic integration and activating mechanisms of cooperation among sisterly nations across sectors.

He cited Kuwait’s signing of the Agreement to Facilitate and Develop Inter-Arab Trade (1981), which laid the foundation for the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, and its active role in establishing this zone. Kuwait has also joined key economic agreements, including the Arab Agreement on Liberalizing Trade in Services (2019) and the Arab Convention on the Regulation of Maritime Transport (1977).

Ambassador Al-Maliki stressed that this reflects Kuwait’s deep belief that cooperation is the only path to advancing joint Arab economic action. He highlighted Kuwait’s regular financial contributions to the Arab League and its support for Arab nations facing exceptional circumstances, particularly Palestine.

Kuwait pioneered efforts to hold the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit (2009), where it launched a $2 billion initiative to fund Arab small and medium enterprises, donating $500 million to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

Institutional Arab Action
Kuwait’s commitment to institutional Arab action is evident in its hosting of key organizations such as:

• Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

• Arab Investment & Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (Dhaman)

• Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

• Arab Towns Organization

• Arab Center for Health Literature and Translation

A Legacy of Giving
In conclusion, these officials emphasized: "If Kuwait is a model of generosity and achievement, its contributions and initiatives have proven to all that Arab unity is not merely a slogan—but a genuine practice embodied through projects and principled stances."