Kuwait and Italy have moved to strengthen their defense partnership with the signing of a new military cooperation agreement in Rome.
Kuwait’s Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah signed the agreement with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto during an official visit to Italy. The deal aims to enhance coordination, promote the exchange of expertise and develop joint military work between the two sides.
According to a statement from Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, Sheikh Abdullah met his Italian counterpart at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in the Italian capital, where he was received with official military honors.
The Ministry said the talks covered issues of mutual interest, including regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to support security and stability, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.
The two sides also reviewed Kuwaiti-Italian relations and discussed prospects for closer cooperation in the military and defense sectors, as well as ways to strengthen their strategic defense partnership. Sheikh Abdullah said the historical ties between Kuwait and Italy are built on “solid and deeply rooted foundations of constructive cooperation and an extended strategic partnership,” particularly in the military and defense fields. He added that both countries are keen to continue enhancing bilateral defense cooperation in line with shared aspirations.
The agreement followed recent discussions between Kuwait and Italian defense stakeholders. A week earlier, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya met with Timisgen Foushi, Leonardo’s Regional Director, to discuss areas of joint cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Defense cooperation between Kuwait and Italy has expanded over recent years, with the Eurofighter program forming a central pillar of bilateral ties. Italy is supplying 28 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Kuwait, with most already delivered and in service, alongside ongoing training and logistical support.
As part of his visit, Sheikh Abdullah also toured Italy’s Flag Memorial, which commemorates the sacrifices of the armed forces, where he was briefed on its facilities and historical exhibits. Senior military leaders and officials from both countries attended the signing ceremony. (Photo ©: Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense/KUNA)
