This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On July 14, 2019, the European Union marked a significant milestone in its relations with the Gulf region by opening a new mission in Kuwait's Al Hamra Tower, the country's tallest skyscraper.
The new mission, which is the third EU presence in the Gulf after Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, underscores the EU's commitment to increasing its presence and engagement in the Middle East.
According to EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, the opening of the mission sends a message to the entire region, emphasizing the EU's growing involvement in the region's affairs.
"What happens to the Gulf matters to Europe and what happens to Europe matters to the Gulf," Mogherini said, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two regions.
The ceremony was attended by Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, underscoring the strong relations between Kuwait and the EU.
Notably, Kuwait's diplomatic stance sets it apart from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as it maintains good ties with Tehran, unlike the two countries.
