Canada – Kuwait signs agreement to enhance development cooperation

CANADA / KUWAIT – Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of international development and minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, minister of foreign affairs of Kuwait, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing the two countries to collaboration in areas of common interest, as well as in countries where both have active development and humanitarian programming.

“Canada and Kuwait have enjoyed strong bilateral ties since they established diplomatic relations almost 60 years ago. The two countries have common global priorities, including increasing food security and promoting education, and they already engage closely in several key multilateral institutions,” says the media relations office, Global Affairs Canada.

The MOU will commit the two countries to:

• Increasing policy dialogue;
• Enhancing institutional linkages;
• Coordinating programming in countries of interest.

Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, minister of foreign affairs of Kuwait, said:

 “The MOU [signed today] will establish a robust framework for our collaborative development cooperation in developing countries and will provide us with yet another opportunity to advance our shared values and foreign aid policy goals in fostering global economic and social development, with a focus on poverty reduction that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development and the promotion of good governance. We are indeed very delighted to conclude this partnership that will further strengthen our dedication to our shared principles and expand our ability to improve many lives in our increasingly interconnected world.”

This enhanced cooperation will contribute to a more coordinated response to today’s most pressing global challenges. It will focus on poverty reduction that is consistent with the principles of sustainable development, promotion of good governance, support for country – and women-led solutions, commitment to diversity and pluralism, and protection of human rights.

“In this era of interdependence, no one country can solve our collective issues on its own. I truly believe that partnerships are the driving force behind change for the better and look forward to seeing how Canada and Kuwait work together toward supporting communities in fostering socio-economic development, achieving sustainable recovery from humanitarian crises and, in turn, preventing conflict,” minister Sajjan.